GE Aviation's H80 turboprop engine gains its Russian type certification

GE Aviation's H80 turboprop engine has received type certification from the Interstate Aviation Committee Aviation Register (IAC AR). The Russian agency issued the type certificate on September 24, 2012.

To date, the H80 engine has received type certifications from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Brazilian Civil Aviation agency (ANAC) and the Argentine Administración Nacional de Aviación Civil. GE is pursuing type certificates for the H80 in other countries, including Canada and China, to support of the expanding global customer base.

The 800-shp 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 to have flexibility in propeller selection.

The Thrush 510G agricultural aircraft will be the first aircraft to enter service powered by H80 engines. The H80 engine has also been selected to power the Aircraft Industries L410 commuter aircraft. Along with these applications, Smyrna Air Center is working on a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for an H80-powered King Air C90 aircraft.

GE Aviation is taking steps to ensure the H80 has a smooth entry into service. Line maintenance classes are underway to help customers learn how to keep their engines in top operating condition. GE Aviation has also developed an extensive network of service and support centers around the world.