T407/GLC38: A Modern Technology Powerplant

Abstract

The T407/GLC38 turboprop/turboshaft engine is a 6000 shaft horsepower (SHP) class gas turbine engine currently under joint development by Textron Lycoming of Stratford, Connecticut, and GE Aircraft Engines of Lynn, Massachusetts, with Bendix Control of South Bend, Indiana, a division of Allied Signal; Ruston Gas Turbines Limited of Great Britain, part of GEC ALSTHOM; and Steel Products Engineering Company (SPECO) of Springfield, Ohio. The powerplant is derived from the highly successful GE27 Modern Technology Demonstrator Engine (MTDE) program, which was conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Army in the mid-1980s. The T407 turboprop is currently under development for the U.S. Navy’s new P-7A anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft. The P-7A will replace the P-3 and is under contract to Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Company (LASC). A T407 turboshaft model is also in development. The GLC38 commercial turboprop version, planned for both business and commuter aircraft, draws considerably on lessons learned through GE and Textron Lycoming’s extensive commercial experience, thereby ensuring the latest state of the art in maintainability, life, reliability, and ease of operation. The T407/GLC38 engine development program, scheduled for completion in December 1991, is uniquely defined to meet the stringent requirements of both Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and Military Specification MIL-E-008593E. The engine’s primary identity will be commercial, however, as per agreement with the U.S. Navy. The engine’s gas generator core is also part of a joint venture between the Garrett Engine Division of Allied Signal Corporation and GE. Garrett is responsible for developing the fan and power turbine for a new generation turbofan engine, the CFE738. This paper describes the key features of the T407/GLC38 engine design, performance, and development program.