Coronavirus disrupted the U.S. improved helicopter engine program. The pandemic process caused delays in shipping key components of the Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP). The critical design review phase of the planned engine program in the second quarter of the current fiscal year will continue slower than expected. 

ITEP program officials are scheduled to begin testing on the General Electric Aviation T901 turbine engine next year. ITEP, which is expected to significantly improve the performance of the UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache helicopters in inventory, will also include the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft/FARA.