“Catalyst” is often referred to as a prime agent of change. In the world of turboprops, there has been very little “catalyst-worthy” change to the Business and General Aviation (BGA) segment. In fact, it’s a market that hasn’t seen much technological infusion in decades. That was at least until GE Aviation’s Advanced Turboprop entered the conversation.

GE's Engineering Design Center in Warsaw, Poland is where GE engineers research and develop products and processes of tomorrow ... and where world champion skiers train.

One of GE Aviation’s smallest engines has been making big headlines around the world. The Advanced Turboprop engine, designed and developed in just over two years, ran for the first time on Dec. 22 at GE Aviation’s facility in Prague, Czech Republic. The engine, which features advanced technology not seen in the Business and General Aviation market, is expected to enter service in 2019.

Additive technology helped reduce 855 conventional components to just 12 on the Advanced Turboprop, GE’s clean-sheet engine that will power the new Cessna Denali from Textron Aviation. Among these 3D-printed components, the heat exchanger carries a high level of engineering complexity. 

In two years, GE Aviation’s Advanced Turboprop has been designed, developed and is now closing in on its first engine run in record time. ATP will be the first clean-sheet turboprop engine to hit the Business and General Aviation (BGA) market in more than 30 years.

Avio Aero, a GE Aviation business, is testing unique processes to manufacture and repair jet engine components. The processes, a form of additive technology, enable fast testing of new design practices and approaches for engine components.

General Electric’s new 1,300 SHP-rated Advanced Turboprop (ATP) is the first entry in GE’s new family of turboprop engines aimed at Business and General Aviation aircraft in the 1,000-1,600 SHP range. The ATP engine will power the new Cessna Denali aircraft built by Textron Aviation.

More than 300,000 people and 10,000 planes will invade Oshkosh, Wisconsin this week for the Experimental Aircraft Association’s annual week long AirVenture fly-in. Not only is it massive–the largest of its kind in the world–but it’s also one of the most unique.

GE’s all-new Advanced Turboprop engine is built from proven technologies to deliver big performance benefits with low risk. The Bike Shop sat down with Gordie Follin, Engineering Leader for the Advanced Turboprop (ATP) program, to learn more about the materials and technologies inside this all-new engine.