Originally Posted by RileyDove
Not quite sure why there is any idea of changing engines
CAC Runway covered it well. Three practical reasons, one political reason:
- The AH-64E's T700-701D are FADEC (EDECU+HMU) equipped, meaning that any re-engining would involve a software (AF/Eng) rewrite. This is never easy, and never cheap.
- The T700 family has 'caught up' with the RTM322 (the variants in SOCOM's MH-60Ms are rated at 2,600+ shp), and is likely to offer greater growth potential (to 3,000 shp and beyond).
- The UK's bespoke changes to its WAH-64Ds resulted in the aircraft being impractical to upgrade to Block II configuration. This, I'm told, is the reason why the user is now planning to forgo the BII upgrade and adopt the Apache Guardian instead.
- Politically, there will be less lobbying to re-engine this time around, given Safran's buy-out of R-R's stake in the RTM322. Although a commonality argument (w/ Merlin) can still be made, a similar case can be made for the T700 family (which also powers the MCA's AW189s).
Originally Posted by Vendee
Not sure how much they cost per unit but they must be a least 2-3 million pounds each
For comparison, the DoD pays $798,000 for its T700-701Ds ("consume mass quantities!").