Honeywell announced that its HTS900 turboshaft engine, yet to be certified, is already getting an upgrade. The engine has been fitted with a new dual-centrifugal compressor that Honeywell said provides increased thermodynamic power capability and reduced fuel consumption, and at the same time allows for future engine growth within the same engine footprint.

According to Honeywell (Booth No. 1907), the new dual-centrifugal compressor is more durable and resistant to foreign object damage and erosion.

The HTS900 has been selected to power the Bell 417 that will be used by the U.S. Army to fulfill its armed reconnaissance helicopter (ARH) mission. In addition to the new dual-centrifugal compressor, the engine incorporates a case-tied gas producer shroud that maintains tight clearances regardless of gas temperature. Both components are derived from Honeywell’s T800 engine program and the joint U.S. Army/Honeywell-funded small heavy fuel engine demonstrator program.

With more shaft horsepower capability, the HTS900’s compressor and turbine components will have the same service life limits of 15,000 cycles as previously defined by Honeywell.

At sea-level, standard-day conditions, the new compressor technology of an uninstalled HTS900 engine increases the engine’s takeoff power output from 925 to 970 shaft horsepower.

The HST900 test program has accumulated more than 600 hours and is currently running with four test and certification engines, fully configured with FADEC and case-tied gas producer shroud. Honeywell has also delivered flight-test engines for the Bell 417 and ARH development programs.

Certification of the HST900 is expected in the fourth quarter of this year. The upgrade version with the new dual centrifugal compressor is expected to be certified early next year.