Advanced Technology Transition and the CT7-5 Technology Demonstrator Engine

As the power density and fuel efficiency requirements for advanced turboshaft engines continue to increase, it is critical that advanced technology be transitioned to production engines with increased speed and reduced risk. Yet, the current environment of reduced S&T funding and few new demonstrator programs can slow technology transition. This paper discusses technology transition, from the perspective of GE experience transitioning demonstrator technology into military and commercial turboshaft products and then describes GE’s Technology Accelerator Engine (TAE), a dedicated CT7-5 technology test-bed that can validate technology feasibility in a relevant engine operating environment independent of demonstrator or development engine programs.