GE Aviation launches two new H80 turboprop engine derivatives

GE Aviation is launching two derivative engines of its recently certified H80 engine: the H75 and H85 turboprop engines.

The H75 engine will be rated at 750 shaft horsepower (shp) for takeoff and maximum continuous operation, and the H85 engine will be rated at 850 shp. Like the H80, the H75 and H85 engines will be aimed at the agricultural, commuter, utility and business turboprop aircraft segments. Engine type certifications from the European Aviation Safety Agency and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration are anticipated early next year.

"The H80 turboprop has been extremely successful for us, and we anticipate the same level of interest for the H75 and H85," said Paul Theofan, president and managing executive of GE Aviation's Business and General Aviation Turboprops. "There are several potential aircraft applications that could benefit from these two new engine models. GE looks forward to bringing these engines to the business and general aviation marketplace."

The H75 and H85 engines will be certified and manufactured at GE Aviation's facility in the Czech Republic. Production of the H80 engine is underway with 50 engines being produced this year, increasing to more than 100 engines in 2013. The first aircraft to enter service with the H80 engine will be the Thrush 510G agricultural aircraft. The H80 engine has also been selected to power the Aircraft Industries L410 commuter aircraft, which is expected to enter service early next year, and Technoavia's all-new Rysachok twin engine aircraft.

The H80 turboprop engine combines the elegant, robust design of the M601 engine with GE's 3-D aerodynamic design techniques and advanced materials to create a more powerful, fuel-efficient, durable engine with no recurrent fuel nozzle inspections and no hot section inspection. The H80 engine will feature an extended service life of 3,600 flight-hours or 6,600 cycles between overhauls. It will provide the option of a single- or dual-acting governor, allowing customers flexibility in propeller selection.