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DeLauro and Rogers Lead Members in Calling for Full Funding of Black Hawk and Apache Engine Replacement Program

October 5, 2016

WASHINGTON, DC (October 5, 2016) Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Congressman Mike Rogers (AL-03) this week led 40 Members of the House of Representatives in writing to leaders of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee to urge them to continue to support full funding for the Army's Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP). While the House FY 2017 Defense Appropriations bill fully supported the Army's budget request, the Senate's bill reduced the program by $30 million.

"ITEP is the number one Army Aviation modernization program and will dramatically improve the fuel efficiency and mission capability of the Black Hawk and Apache aviation platforms. Combat Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and warfighter feedback have identified critical performance gaps that ITEP will rectify while delivering significant fuel savings and reliability improvements. Within the last month, senior Army leadership directed that a plan to accelerate the program be developed," wrote the Members. "Any funding reduction in fiscal year 2017 will significantly jeopardize the opportunity to accelerate the program."

"As you no doubt understand, funding reductions at this early program development stage could push out future timetables and critical decisions. This could send an unfortunate signal to Army aviators, warfighters, and guardsmen who are counting on a higher performing engine capability and reliability for the Black Hawk and Apache for the next thirty years," continued Members. "Therefore, we strongly urge you to assert the House position for the Improved Turbine Engine Program of $126.105 million in fiscal year 2017."

ITEP is a joint venture between Pratt & Whitney and Honeywell that will develop a more fuel efficient and powerful engine for the current UH-60 Black Hawk and the AH-64 Apache helicopter fleets. This new engine will substantially increase operational capabilities in high/hot environments, increase range, improve fuel efficiency while reducing logistics footprint, resulting in dramatically reduced operating and support costs.

The full letter is available here.