First OEM Application To Start Deliveries In Early 2012

GE Aviation says a celebration in Prague was held recently to commemorate the certification by EASA of the company's new turboprop engine, the H80. The powerplant is rated at 800 shaft horsepower and weighs 382 pounds. It has been undergoing testing on the Thrush 510G ag plane.

The H80 becomes the first GE Aviation engine to receive its initial type certification from EASA. "The type certification on the H80 engine is a significant achievement for the GE Aviation facility in the Czech Republic along with the engineering teams in Evendale, Ohio, and Lynn, Massachusetts, which helped in the design of the new turboprop engine," said Paul Theofan, president and managing executive of GE Aviation's Business and General Aviation Turboprops.

The H80 is based on the proven M601 engine. GE says 3-D aerodynamic design techniques and advanced materials allowed it to create a more powerful, fuel-efficient, durable engine compared with the M601, with no recurrent fuel nozzle inspections and no hot section inspection. The H80 engine will feature an extended service life of 3,600 flight-hours or 6,600 cycles between overhauls. It will provide the option of a single- or dual-acting governor, allowing customers to have flexibility in propeller selection.

The H80 engine has been selected to power the Thrush 510G,  the Aircraft Industries L410 commuter plane, and Technoavia's newly-designed Rysachok twin, a ten-seat general aviation aircraft. The Thrush 510G has been flight testing since last year and entry into service is anticipated early in 2012. Last month, Aircraft Industries began its flight tests of the H80 in the L410, which is expected to enter service in the third quarter of 2012.

GE Aviation says it's ready to support the new engine with a vast worldwide network of service and support centers.

FMI: www.geaviation.com