Orbis Avia selects GE H Series turboprop to power new SM92TE Praga Alfa

GE Aviation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Orbis Avia to power the all-new Orbis Avia SM92TE Praga Alfa utility aircraft with GE's H Series turboprop engine with maximum take-off power of 750 shaft horsepower (SHP). EASA certification of the aircraft is expected in 2017. The fleet size of the new aircraft is set to exceed 100 units by 2022.

"The H Series delivers superior durability, maintenance simplicity and performance capability to turboprop operators around the world," said Norman Baker, President & Managing Executive of GE's Business & General Aviation Turboprops. "We are pleased to sign this MoU with Orbis Avia and look forward to working together to bring their new aircraft to the utility aviation market."

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 GE H Series engine provides significant improvements in aircraft performance and maintenance simplicity to deliver rugged, reliable power for a range of applications. With 1,040 thermo horsepower, the GE H Series turboprop enables aircraft to operate at higher temperatures and altitudes. It brings the operator more efficiency and higher security, combined with a significant reduction of maintenance costs.