The China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd. (CAIGA) selected GE Aviation's new H85 turboprop engine to power CAIGA's Primus 150 aircraft, which will a five-seat business aircraft. This is the first application for the H85 turboprop engine, which is awaiting certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

CAIGA and GE have also signed an agreement to jointly develop a service and support program for the H85-powered Primus 150 and expand turboprop engine service capabilities in China.

"The China region is a growing area for business and general aviation," said Brad Mottier, vice president and general manager of GE Aviation's Business & General Aviation organization. "The H85-powered Primus 150 will allow GE to strengthen its presence in the region and to be a significant participant in China's 12th five-year growth plan."

The H85 engine is a derivative of GE's H80 engine, which recently entered service on the Thrush 510G aircraft. The H80 turboprop engine 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. The H80 engine features a service life of 3,600 flight-hours or 6,600 cycles between overhauls. The H80 engine also offers a standard auto start and limiting unit to simplify engine start-up as well as a choice of propeller governors to allow customers flexibility in propeller selection.

The H85 engine is rated at 850 shaft horsepower (shp) for takeoff and maximum continuous operation. The engine is aimed at the business turboprop, agricultural, commuter and utility aircraft segments. EASA engine type certification is anticipated this year with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration expected next year.

The H85 engines will be manufactured at GE Aviation's facility in the Czech Republic, which is currently ramping up production of the H80 engines. Along with the Thrush 510G agricultural aircraft, the H80 engine also has been selected to power the Aircraft Industries L410 commuter aircraft, which is expected to enter service early next year.

CAIGA's Primus 150 is a five-seat, light single-engine pressurized turboprop business aircraft with a carbon fiber composite airframe. It is one of the fastest pressurized single-engine turboprop aircraft in its class.

CAIGA is a subsidiary company of Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and currently owns two types of very light business jet aircraft and two types of very light business turboprop aircraft. CAIGA acquired US-based Cirrus and possesses a world-class general aircraft industry chain, with five major industry bases in Zhuhai, Guizhou, Shijiazhuang, Jingmen and Shenzhen. The company is developing a comprehensive business model, including R&D and manufacturing, general aviation operation, customer support and service. Its business spectrum covers parts & components manufacturing, final assembly and delivery, pilot training, aviation club, general aviation operation, business aviation, FBO (Fixed Base Operator), maintenance, leasing and various sectors.