GE Aerospace has been contracted to deliver 210 T700 engines to power the 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters ordered by the Polish Armed Forces.
The engine order is based on a cooperative agreement established in August 2024 between GE Aerospace and the Polish Ministry of National Defence. This agreement stipulates that Military Aviation Works in Deblin (Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze NR 1 S.A. or WZL-1) will deliver licensed maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) support for the T700 engines utilized in the Apache and Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopters, as well as for the CT7 engines found in the Leonardo AW149 and AW101 helicopters within the Polish Armed Forces’ aircraft fleet.
Additionally, the Military University of Technology in Warsaw (Wojskowa Akademia Techniczna or WAT) will oversee the training programs, which will include instruction on T700/CT7 engines, for Polish technicians, military personnel, and WZL-1 staff who will be involved in supporting the helicopter fleet, while also preparing future engineering professionals for service in the Polish Armed Forces.
“This T700 engine is the engine of choice for medium-sized helicopters with its exceptional performance, reliability, and durability,” said Amy Gowder, President and CEO of Defense & Systems at GE Aerospace. “This order strengthens our relationship with Poland and expands the Polish Armed Forces’ GE Aerospace-powered fleet, which includes F404-powered FA-50 fighter jets, T700-powered Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawks, and CT7-powered Leonardo AW149 and AW101 helicopters.”
The collaborative agreement established among GE Aerospace, WZL-1, and WAT is set to preserve high-value employment opportunities in Poland while introducing advanced technologies in engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), along with training and technical support for the defence industrial sector.
This initiative will empower the Polish industry to assist the Polish Armed Forces in maintaining the Apache fleet. Through these collaborations, the Polish Ministry of National Defence will gain comprehensive engine depot and training capabilities within the country. Such capabilities will guarantee supply security for all platforms utilizing the T700/CT7 engine series.
Furthermore, this agreement lays the groundwork for potential future collaborations in Poland concerning GE Aerospace’s combat engines, including the F110, F414, and F404 models. The T700/CT7 family of turboshaft and turboprop engines is responsible for powering 15 different types of military and civilian helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, serving over 130 customers across more than 50 nations. To date, over 25,000 T700/CT7 engines have been delivered, amassing more than 130 million total flight hours.
The design of the T700/CT7 has demonstrated its reliability in the most challenging environments, with millions of flight hours logged in intense combat zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan. In Europe, more than 1,300 T700/CT7 engines have either been delivered or are on order for 20 military and paramilitary customers. These engines will be manufactured and supplied under a contract with the U.S. Army, facilitated through the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales process.
In June 2024, the US Army awarded GE Aerospace an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for the ongoing production of up to 950 T700 engines, supporting the requirements of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Foreign Military Sales (FMS), and other government agency programs through 2029.
AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter
Previously designated as AH-64D Block III, the aircraft was reclassified as AH-64E Guardian in 2012 to reflect its enhanced capabilities. The AH-64E incorporates advanced digital connectivity, the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System, and more powerful T700-GE-701D engines, which feature an upgraded face gear transmission to support increased power.
Additionally, it possesses the capability to control unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), full Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capability, and improved landing gear. The introduction of new composite rotor blades, which underwent testing in 2004, has resulted in increased cruise speed, climb rate, and payload capacity. Deliveries commenced in November 2011, with full-rate production receiving approval in October 2012.
The updated Longbow radar now includes oversea capabilities, potentially facilitating naval strikes, while an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar is under consideration. The aircraft is equipped with an L-3 Communications MUMT-X datalink, replacing two older systems, allowing communication across C, D, L, and Ku frequency bands to transmit and receive data and video with all Army UAVs. Lots 5 and 6 will also feature Link 16 data links.
The Apache is equipped with a single 30mm M230 Chain Gun, capable of firing 1,200 rounds as part of the Area Weapon Subsystem. It features four pylon stations located on the stub wings, in addition to a station on each wingtip designed to accommodate an AIM-92 Stinger twin missile pack. The aircraft can carry Hydra 70 70mm, CRV7 70mm, and APKWS 70mm air-to-ground rockets and can be equiped with various AGM-114 Hellfire variants, as well as Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS) missiles. Additionally, AGM-65 Maverick and Spike missiles may also be utilized.
