The T700 Booster Engine

Engine horsepower increases through growth programs is examined in the historical context. The T700-GE-700, a modern turboshaft engine with potential for future growth, is presented as a vehicle for the demonstration of a unique concept. The Booster Stage — for horsepower increase. The T700 engine and the booster stage itself is described along with its advantages over conventional growth concepts; lower RDT&E costs and lower program risks. Also covered are the a priori concerns associated with the booster, the question of matching of the discharge flow of the constant RPItl booster stage with the variable flow requirement of the core engine compressor. The contemporary contractually funded efforts to demonstrate a booster stage, supported by the U.S. Army are described along with the status of this program. Testing of the T700 Booster Engine accomplished to-date indicates that on the basis of both steady state and transient performance results, which include significant horsepower output gains and successful rapid power transients, the booster stage is a practical means of securing engine horsepower growth.