Abrams Engine Stall Detection Sensor

The gas turbine engine in the Army Abrams tank, the Honeywell AGT-1500, is currently experiencing stall and surge related failures of the fourth stage Low Pressure Compressor (LPC). These failures require the removal and overhaul of the tank’s powerpack costing the Army up to $200,000 per event. While all gas turbine compressors run the risk of stalling under non-ideal inlet or operational conditions, the hazard in the Abrams tank is particularly acute as it does not have a system to detect stall and signal the operator or Engine Control Unit (ECU). During the Phase I effort, Prime Photonics demonstrated the ability of an all-optical system to detect rotating stall events up to 40ms before the onset of stall. The Phase II effort will work to increase response time for earlier communication and mitigation of stall conditions.