Engine Targeted At The GA And Biz Av Markets

The first H80 turboprop engine began its certification testing on March 8 in a test cell at the GE Aviation Czech facility in Prague in the Czech Republic.

"The first H80 engine to test met or exceeded all power ratings in multiple runs," said Paul Theofan, president and managing executive of GE Aviation Czech s.r.o., a wholly owned subsidiary of GE Aviation. "Certification testing will continue this spring with endurance testing starting next month and EASA type certification anticipated this summer."

The H80 turboprop engine will produce up to 800 shaft horsepower (shp) and power business and general aviation, utility and agriculture aircraft. A total of five development engines will take part in certification testing. Component, aeromechanical and performance testing of the H80 engine have been underway for several months. A hot section demo engine has accumulated more than 4,500 cycles of flawless performance.

By combining the elegant, robust design of the M601 engine with GE's 3-D aerodynamic design techniques and advanced materials, the H80 engine is a more powerful, fuel-efficient, durable turboprop engine with no calendar limit and no hot section inspection. The H80 engine will also feature an extended service life of 3,600 flight-hours and 6,600 cycles between overhauls, significantly enhanced hot-day takeoff performance and high-altitude cruise speeds. The H80 will provide the option of a single or dual acting governor, allowing customers to select their propeller.

The H80 engine will enter service on the Thrush 510 this summer.  The engine will be the first of the new H80 engine series family.

FMI: www.ge.com/aviation