Team US101 has selected General Electric Co. (GE) as its preferred engine supplier for the US101 medium-lift helicopter in its combat search and rescue (CSAR) configuration. The three-engine US101 is a leading contender in the competition to provide the U.S. Air Force with a new and more capable platform to recover battlefield airmen in combat zones.

"We are proud to select GE for the US101 personnel recovery vehicle," said Stephen D. Ramsey, US101 vice president and general manager at Lockheed Martin. "GE's exceptional engine safety record, and the US101 helicopter's three-engine configuration provide the Air Force Special Operations Command with optimal reliability and low risk."

As the helicopter with the largest cabin in its class, the American-built US101 will enable the Air Force to transport vehicles as large as a sport utility vehicle, or configure the space to accommodate 16 litters or more than 30 troops, along with weapons for 360 degree coverage of the aircraft.

"GE has proactively invested in substantial technology for our CT7/T700 helicopter engine family," said Russell F. Sparks, president and CEO of Military Systems Operation at GE. "The result is an engine with extraordinary field experience combined with the latest low risk performance enhancements. We are pleased with the Lockheed Martin vote of confidence in our engine."

Team US101 is led by Lockheed Martin Systems Integration - Owego, which serves as the prime contractor and systems integrator for the American-built US101 aircraft, an American variant of AgustaWestland's successful EH101 multimission helicopter. More than 200 U.S. companies from 41 states will participate in the US101 helicopter program, creating and sustaining thousands of jobs nationwide. The US101 team collectively brings unmatched rotorcraft expertise and experience to this program: Lockheed Martin (prime contractor and systems integration), AgustaWestland (aircraft design) and Bell Helicopter (aircraft production).

GE is a $132 billion company, with 315,000 employees worldwide, and over 180,000 employees in the United States. GE Transportation - Aircraft Engines, a business unit of GE, with 25,500 employees worldwide, is firmly established as a world leader in the helicopter engine market.

For additional information and US101 photos, visit

http://www.teamus101.com/

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin