GE-powered Orbis Avia achieves first flight

Orbis Avia selected GE's H Series turboprop engine with maximum 750 SHP take-off power for its SM92TE Praga Alfa aircraft. The first flight of this all-new utility aircraft took place in March 2017.

With the EASA certification expected by the end of this year, the fleet size is set to exceed 100 units by 2022.

"We are pleased that our H75 engine was selected for another great aircraft application. We are looking forward to introducing our enhanced durability, maintenance simplicity and performance capability into single-engine utility operations." said Norman Baker, President & Managing Executive of GE`s Business & General Aviation Turboprops.

Manufactured in the Czech Republic, Orbis Avia's SM92TE Praga Alfa is designed for heavy-duty performance and easy maintenance. Combining short takeoff and landing (STOL), rapid climb capability and Garmin avionics, Praga Alfa will deliver an aircraft ideal for parachuting, renaissance applications and transportation into and out of remote areas. Its EASA certification program will initiate with the first aircraft prototype in the beginning of 2017 followed by an amphibious aircraft certification.

The SM92TE Praga Alfa aircraft offers tail and front wheel configuration options and includes a special pilot training package provided by Orbis Avia. With substantial support from European Union funding, a new Orbis Avia facility will be opened in the Czech Republic to manufacture the aircraft.

"We are proud to bring this excellent new European product to the world utility aircraft market," said Martin Kopacek, executive director of Orbis Avia. "Our aircraft design outfitted with the GE H Series engine - famous for its robust design - represents an ideal coupling of advanced technologies."

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 intermediate hot section inspection required for a multitude of uses: agricultural, business turboprops, commuter and utility aircraft. GE offers H Series turboprop engines with 4000-hour time between overhaul (TBO) for Agriculture, Utility and Business Aviation Aircraft. An extension program is also offered to extend TBOs for in-service engines.