GE Aviation has received FAA type certification for the CT7-2F1, the 2,000-shp-class engine that will power the Bell 525 Relentless helicopter, the engine maker announced on Monday. “Achieving FAA certification is a great accomplishment for the CT7-2F1 program and the dedicated team involved,” said GE Aviation executive product manager Elissa Lee.

The engine’s features include a new improved-life high-pressure turbine, engine electronic control unit, a health and usage monitoring system (HUMS), and up to 2,129 shp for emergencies and 1,979 shp for takeoff. It is the latest variant of GE’s CT7/T700 engine family that has accumulated more than 100 million flight hours on civil and military rotorcraft and turboprop airplanes. 

Bell is aiming for certification of the super-medium twin by the end of the year. The fly-by-wire helicopter is designed to support customers in the oil-and-gas industry, search-and-rescue, emergency medical services, and VIP transport.