Blackshape selected GE Aviation to develop a modified version of the H Series turboprop engine to power its new aircraft development. Details on the aircraft will be released in the coming months.

"Blackshape is a young company with a fast-growing business," said Blackshape's CEO, Luciano Belviso. "In this new adventure, we're very happy to partner with GE, where we found our same values of innovation, integrity and success."

The modified H Series engine will feature higher inertial load capability along with GE's electronic engine propeller control (EEPC) unit, enabling reduced pilot workload. This new program marks the first cooperation between GE and Blackshape.

“Our Business and General Aviation division is pleased to introduce the unique capabilities of the H Series turboprop to the high-performance aviation marketplace with a dynamic company like Blackshape,” said Norman Baker, President & Managing Executive of GE Aviation Czech, which produces the GE H Series family of engines. “The development of this new H Series derivative marks our first entry into the high-performance turboprop market and opens up the H Series as a potential powerplant for military airborne systems.”

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.