Boeing Continuing Some ITEP Apache Work Despite Army Threat

SINGAPORE—Boeing says it is using internal funding to continue some work on integrating the GE Aerospace T901 engine onto its AH-64E Apaches despite a U.S. Army plan to end the program.

The Army in May 2025 announced it would cancel the Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP) effort to re-engine both the Apache and the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk with the T901 as part of a broad reprioritization of its aviation fleets.

With the announcement, Boeing received a stop work order on phase two of ITEP, focused on the form, fit and function changes to the helicopter to fit the T901. This included steps such as adjustments to the helicopter's nacelles, new brackets and other changes, says Terry Jamison, Boeing's director of attack helicopter programs.

While that work has stopped, Boeing is using internal funding to do other work to improve the Apache's drivetrain to work with the T901.

“We've continued to invest our own IRAD dollars into the integration of that, because we believe there's a very good chance that the Army may bring that back,” Jamison tells Aviation Week at the Singapore Airshow. “We want to be postured to meet the Army's requirements if they decide to bring ITEP back.”

Without drivetrain changes, the Apache would not be able to use the increased horsepower the T901 provides, Jamison says.

While Boeing does this work, Sikorsky has also said it has continued ITEP work under the current contract. A Black Hawk flew with the engine for the first time in September.

“The T901 engine was developed to deliver increased power to enable greater range and payload while reducing sustainment burden in demanding operational environments for soldiers,” GE said in a statement. “The same power and fuel efficiency gains currently being demonstrated through extensive engine durability testing will directly support the Apache's complex warfighter missions.”

While ITEP was started for U.S. Army programs, Jamison says that if the effort continues then the goal would be to integrate the new powerplant on international aircraft as well. For example, Australia's AH-64Es have the same technology as the U.S. Army's, to include the Apache Survivability Product Improvement kit that reduces the heat signature of the aircraft.