// PROPULSION SYSTEMS AND ENGINE TECHNOLOGY TERM

Turboshaft

A turboshaft is a type of gas turbine engine that converts fuel energy primarily into rotational mechanical power to drive a shaft, rather than producing direct jet thrust. This shaft power is most commonly used to turn helicopter rotors or marine propellers.

Turboshaft — illustration from Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

A turboshaft engine is an air-breathing gas turbine engine optimized to produce shaft horsepower for external mechanical loads, typically featuring a power turbine connected to an output shaft; it is predominantly utilized in helicopters, marine propulsion, and auxiliary power units (APUs) due to its high power-to-weight ratio and efficiency at driving rotating machinery.

BACKGROUND

General Electric Company, doing business as GE Aerospace, is an American aircraft engine supplier that is headquartered in Evendale, Ohio, outside Cincinnati. It is the legal successor to the original General Electric Company founded in 1892, which split into three separate companies between November 2021 and April 2024, adopting the trade name GE Aerospace after divesting its healthcare and energy divisions.

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SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • Shaft turbine
  • Turboshaft engine
  • Helicopter engine
  • Gas turbine (shaft)

USAGE NOTE

Turboshaft engines are the standard powerplant for nearly all modern helicopters and are also found in some marine vessels and industrial applications.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to Turboshaft.

  • Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC)

    A global leader in the design, manufacture, and service of aircraft engines, including a wide range of turboshaft engines for helicopters.

  • Safran Helicopter Engines

    The world's leading manufacturer of turboshaft engines for helicopters, providing a comprehensive range of solutions for civil and military markets.

  • General Electric (GE Aerospace)

    A major provider of aircraft engines, including a portfolio of turboshaft engines used in various military and commercial helicopters.

  • Rolls-Royce

    Develops and manufactures turboshaft engines for a range of helicopter applications, particularly in the military sector.

  • Honeywell Aerospace

    Produces a variety of turboshaft engines used in both military and commercial helicopters, as well as auxiliary power units for aircraft.

  • United Engine Corporation (UEC) / Klimov

    A Russian company specializing in the development and production of aircraft engines, including a significant line of turboshaft engines for Russian-made helicopters.

  • Kawasaki Heavy Industries

    Develops and manufactures turboshaft engines primarily for Japanese self-defense force helicopters and other domestic applications.

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