 The T700 was initially bench-tested in 1973, passed military qualification in 1976, and went into production in 1978.The initial "T700-GE-700" is an ungeared free-turbine turboshaft, with a five-stage axial / one-stage centrifugal mixed-flow compressor, featuring one-piece "blisk" axial stages, with the inlet guide vanes and first two stator stages variable; an annular combustion chamber with central fuel injection to improve combustion and reduce smoke; a two-stage compressor turbine; and a two-stage free power turbine with tip-shrouded blades.The engine is designed for high reliability, featuring an inlet particle separator designed to spin out dirt, sand, and dust.