ORLANDO, Florida – GE Aviation's H Series turboprop engine powered three first flights in 2014, with a fourth first flight (Nextant's G90XT) expected later this quarter.
GE Aviation's H85 engine powered the first flight of China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd.'s (CAIGA) AG300 business aircraft this past summer. In May, the H75 powered the first flight of AIR-TEC's L 410 STC upgrade, replacing GE's M601 engines currently powering AIR-TEC's L 410 fleet. The H80-powered Technoavia Rysachok aircraft – a twin-engine, 10-seat general aviation aircraft – took flight on March 27th in Russia.
"With two full years of service in diverse environments, the H Series' versatility and performance have become clear," says Jim Stoker, President & Managing Executive of GE's Business & General Aviation Turboprops. "As we approach our 200th engine delivery, we're fulfilling our promise to reshape this market by providing innovative technologies like the Electronic Engine Control which is expected to enter service on the Nextant G90XT."
Since entering service, GE delivered more than 180 H80 engines to operators flying diverse aircraft, including Aircraft Industries' L410 commuter plane and the Thrush 510G agricultural aircraft.
The H80 engine has received certification from 10 aviation authorities to date: EASA, FAA, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Uruguay, Russia and South Africa. GE plans to pursue additional certifications as needed to support the growing H80-powered fleet. GE has also received EASA and FAA certification for both the H75 (750 SHP) engine as well as the H85 engine (850 SHP). With this expanded H Series model line, GE Aviation is pursuing new applications worldwide.
GE Aviation submitted an application to EASA to utilize S10 diesel fuel for its H Series turboprops. The anticipated application approval would help Brazilian H Series operators lower fuel costs by up to 25%. The average H Series engine consumes 648,000 liters of fuel before its first scheduled overhaul at 3,600 flight hours. By utilizing S10 diesel, operators could save more than $225,000 (USD) on fuel costs between overhauls.
The H Series turboprop family incorporates GE's 3-D aerodynamic design techniques and advanced materials to create a powerful, fuel-efficient, durable engine with no recurrent fuel nozzle inspections and no hot section inspection for a multitude of uses: agricultural, business turboprops, commuter and utility aircraft.
The engine family provides the option of a single- or dual-acting governor, allowing customers to have flexibility in propeller selection. GE is also developing an integrated electronic engine control (EEC) for true single lever power control, and full auto-start capability to help ease pilot workload for H Series-powered aircraft.
GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings.