SAVANNAH, Georgia –Thrush Aircraft, Inc., and GE Aviation announced plans to develop a new H85-powered version of the current Thrush 510G. The H85 engine upgrade will feature more power and a new electronic engine control (EEC) system designed to reduce pilot workload with a single-lever control for both engine and propeller operation. The H85 with EEC system will be offered as an optional engine upgrade to the standard H80-powered 510G. The new H85-powered 510G aircraft is expected to enter service in 2017.
In 2009, Thrush selected the H80 to power an improved version of its 510-gallon, 10,500-pounds gross weight Thrush aerial applicator (crop duster), becoming the first ever application for GE’s H Series, which now includes the H75, H80 and H85 engines. The new 510G’s EEC will automatically prevent engine overtemping and overtorquing, leading to longer engine life and easier maintenance. The new EEC provides true single lever power control and full auto-start capability to help ease pilot workload for H Series-powered aircraft. Initial flight testing of the EEC system will begin in the first quarter of 2016 on the Nextant G90XT with certification expected the following quarter.
"We joined with GE to offer this engine upgrade because of their strong reputation delivering game-changing performance and reliability through innovative technologies like the electronic engine control," said Payne Hughes, President of Thrush Aircraft. "The additional horsepower and increased temperature margin of the H85 engine will enable Thrush 510G operators to carry larger loads in hot weather. The electronic engine control offers complete exceedance protection for the engine and also lowers pilot work load dramatically, which is critical for our customers.”
"This selection by Thrush marks an important application for GE’s new electronic engine control system, which will begin certification testing early next year," said Norman Baker, President & Managing Executive of GE's Business & General Aviation Turboprops. "We look forward to continuing our work with Thrush and its customers to provide a more powerful, fuel-efficient and durable turboprop engine to meet their evolving needs."
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.
With a hopper capacity of 510 gallons, a gross weight of 10,500 pounds, and GE’s H Series engines up front, the Thrush 510G is designed for superior performance for agricultural operations. The Thrush 510G features a 60,000-hour wing spar life. Additional features include a tubular steel fuselage and cockpit roll cage, removable fuselage skins, and chromate-treated aluminum surfaces for corrosion prevention; all designed to maximize pilot safety, reduce maintenance times and enhance aircraft productivity.
About Thrush Aircraft Company
Headquartered in Albany, Georgia, Thrush Aircraft manufactures a full range of aerial application aircraft used in agriculture, forestry and fire fighting roles worldwide. Thrush is well-known for building the most durable aircraft in the aerial application industry, as well as the best flying – from both pilot and operator perspectives. All Thrush models provide superb visibility, light control response, and a high degree of maneuverability and speed, along with superior efficiency and low direct operating costs. Today there are more than 2,200 Thrush aircraft operating in some 80 countries around the world.
About GE Aviation
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.