Lynn — Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass) has secured a funding increase for a key Army aviation modernization program with manufacturing ties to Lynn.
The House Armed Services Committee passed an amendment on June 4 that reviewed the National Defense Authorization Act. It ensures double funding for the Improved Turbine Engine Program, increasing it from $50 million to no less than $100 million.
In Lynn, part of Moulton’s district, General Electric Aerospace’s River Works Plant manufactures the T901, a next-generation turboshaft engine and a major component of ITEP. The program is developing an engine to replace the aging T700 design, which has been in service since the 1970s on Army Black Hawk and Apache helicopters.
The T901 engine provides “50% more power, 25% better specific fuel consumption, and reduced life cycle costs, all with fewer parts, a simpler design, and with proven, reliable technology,” according to GE Aerospace’s website.
According to GE Aerospace’s website, “As Apache and Black Hawk helicopters add capabilities and associated weight, they are also required to perform at higher and hotter conditions than originally designed. This led to the need for increased power over the previous T700 engine.” In response to this need, GE Aerospace developed the T901 by building on its experience and record with the U.S. Army’s Apache and Black Hawk helicopters.
Moulton said, “At a time when America’s adversaries are rapidly investing in military capability, we cannot afford to let a vital Army aviation program fall behind. That’s why I fought to restore full funding for the Improved Turbine Engine Program in this year’s NDAA, and was proud to secure language increasing funding from $50 million to no less than $100 million.”
He added, “GE’s River Works facility in Lynn has been central to American defense manufacturing for generations. If the federal government is investing in T901, Lynn should be at the center of that work, supporting long-term production, good union jobs, and our national security.”
A spokesperson for GE Aerospace said in a statement, “We are grateful for Rep. Moulton’s steadfast support of the T901 engine that is manufactured and assembled in Lynn. It is critical to the U.S. Army’s modernization efforts and the jobs it supports.”
According to its website, GE’s River Works facility employs more than 2,500 workers in Lynn. There are nearly 50 positions currently open.
