LYNN, MA – GE Aviation named Vector Aerospace as an Authorized Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul provider for GE T700 engines. The designation extends Vector’s 18-year association with GE supporting the T700 family out of Vector’s Helicopter Services – North America facility in Richmond, BC, Canada.
“We are proud to be the first GE T700 shop to be granted the next level of recognition as an Authorized Service Provider for GE T700 engines,” said Paul Cockell, President of Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services – North America. “We look forward to providing our high level of expertise under this new certification to T700 customers across the globe.”
“Vector has been a GE service provider for more than 40 years, delivering high-quality service support to customers across the globe,” said Harry Nahatis, Vice President and General Manager of GE Aviation’s turboshaft and turboprop engines. “We are pleased to add Vector as an authorized service provider for the T700 family.”
Vector Aerospace has been an overhaul facility for the GE T58 and CT58 engine family since 1976, and has been licensed to provide MRO services on the T700 and CT7 since 1999, supporting military, governmental and civilian operators across the globe. Vector’s relationship with GE Aviation extends to repair support of the T700/T6A1 turboshaft powering the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) CH-149 Cormorant search and rescue (SAR) helicopter fleet, as well as assembly, inspection and test (AIT) of the CT7-8A7 engines powering the RCAF’s new Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone shipborne maritime helicopters. Vector has been the sole repair and overhaul provider for the CH-149’s powerplant since its introduction, having now completed the first fleet-wide campaign of T700/T6A1 life limited part (LLP) replacements, as well as providing on-condition repairs for the engine.
Developed for the U.S. Army to overcome the many shortcomings 1960s-era helicopter engines experienced in Southeast Asia, the T700/CT7 turboshaft was designed to operate reliably in any environment and be easily maintained. Upon service entry in 1978 in the Black Hawk, the engine quickly proved its mettle in helicopter service, and its operational benefits also made it an ideal derivative as a turboprop powerplant.
Today, the T700/CT7 family of turboshaft and turboprop engines power 15 types of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft with more than 130 customers in more than 50 countries. In 2015, the T700/CT7 family surpassed 20,000 units delivered and more than 100 million total flight hours.
The T700/CT7 engine line has become increasingly more powerful and reliable during its 38-year history. Many technological advances have been incorporated into the subsequent growth versions. Current models in the 2,000-3,000 shaft-horsepower range retain all the proven features and operating characteristics of earlier versions while delivering enhanced performance.
The highly reliable T700/CT7 design has proven itself in the harshest environments, logging more than five million flight hours in hot-harsh combat zones like Iraq and Afghanistan. T700/CT7 helicopter engines power a variety of civil aviation and military applications including transport, utility and attack, medical evacuation, air rescue, fire fighting, special operations and marine patrol. They serve all five branches of the U.S. military, numerous international customers, and civil aviation operators.
Prime turboshaft applications include the Sikorsky Black Hawk, Seahawk, Jayhawk, Pave Hawk, S-70, S/H-92, CH-148, HH60-W CRH, and VIP transport helicopters; the Boeing AH-64 Apache, Bell UH-1Y Huey, AW-1Z Super Cobra,214ST Super Transport and 525 Relentless, Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite, NHIndustries NH90, Leonardo AW101 and AW189 and KAI Surion.
About GE Aviation
GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines and components as well as integrated digital, electric power, and mechanical systems for aircraft. GE Aviation also has a global service network to support these offerings.
About Vector Aerospace
Vector Aerospace is a global provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. Through facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, South Africa, Kenya and Singapore, Vector Aerospace provides services to commercial and military customers for gas turbine engines, components and helicopter airframes. Vector’s customer-focused team includes over 2,200 motivated employees. Vector Aerospace holds approvals from some of the world's leading turbine engine, airframe and avionics OEMs. Powerplants supported include a wide range of turboshafts, turboprops and turbofans from General Electric, Honeywell, Pratt & Whitney Canada, Rolls-Royce and Safran. Vector Aerospace also provides support for a wide range of airframes from Airbus Helicopters, Bell, Boeing, Leonardo Helicopters and Sikorsky, its capabilities including major inspections and dynamic component overhaul, and offers full-service avionics capability, including aircraft rewiring, mission equipment installation and glass cockpit upgrades. More information can be found on the company’s website at www.vectoraerospace.com