Certification Expected Mid 2013

GE Honda Aero Engines expects to complete FAA certification testing on its HF120 engine by the end of 2012. The HF120 engine, which is the successor of the HF118, will feature a 5,000 hour overhaul schedule, dual channel FADEC, and a counter-rotating turbine design which will be a first in the civilian marketplace.

“GE Honda Aero Engines has submitted more than 93 percent of the certification documents to the FAA with more than 83 percent already approved,” said Terry Sharp, president of GE Honda Aero Engines, at a news conference during the NBAA Conference Monday. “We anticipate finishing the remaining tests by late December with engine type certification from the FAA expected mid-2013.”

Thirteen HF120 engines have been built, accumulating over 5,500 hours of testing and more than 7,000 cycles. Testing has been conducted at eight locations, including sites in Ohio, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Florida, and Japan. Only three tests remain for certification, consisting of a medium bird test, a 150-hour block endurance test, and a crosswind test. The HF120 has completed almost 100 hours of flight testing aboard a test aircraft, and also recently passed the often difficult fan blade failure certification test.

To address aircraft service requirements, GE Honda Aero Engines is developed a tiered engine service system ranging from the basic warranty to an all-inclusive comprehensive plan with a fixed cost. The comprehensive plan will allow for higher engine resale values and will be fully transferrable. Anticipating production in late 2013, the company already has production parts on order to support assembly efforts. With the engine assembly facilities currently in place, GE Honda Aero Engines will have the capacity to build 1,000 HF120 engines per year.

FMI: www.gehonda.com