The Czech Government has awarded research grants valued at about $4 million USD (70 million CZK) to GE Aviation Czech s.r.o The grants will assist GE Aviation Czech in incorporating advanced technologies into its existing Walter M601 series engines to reshape the landscape of turboprop aviation. These research grants, awarded through the Czech Republic's Ministry of Industry and Trade, are the first grants ever received by GE Aviation from the Czech Government.

Since its debut in 1975, the M601 turboprop engine family has amassed 17 million flight-hours on more than 30 aircraft types, marking a record of durability, reliability and ease of maintenance. GE Aviation Czech, in cooperation with the Czech Aeronautical Research and Test Institute, will use the grants to incorporate sophisticated technologies into a new derivative of the M601 engine. The new engine, the H80, will feature modern 3D aerodynamic design, advanced materials and new features, such as an axial compressor blisk, to reduce weight and parts count while significantly enhancing engine performance.

"The confidence and support that the Czech Republic's Ministry of Industry and Trade has bestowed upon GE Aviation Czech are a testament to the H80's potential and further solidifies the government's commitment to the aviation industry here in the Czech Republic," said Paul Theofan, GE Aviation Czech President.

The H80 engine will deliver more shaft-horsepower, improved fuel efficiency and increased temperature margin, significantly enhancing hot-day takeoff performance and high-altitude cruise speeds. The H80 engine will also feature an extended overhaul interval of 3,600 flight-hours and 6,600 cycles.

The development work is being performed under GE Aviation Czech's aircraft engine Design Organization Approval authority issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). EASA type certification is expected in early 2010, shortly followed by certification with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. All H80 models will be produced at GE Aviation Czech's fully integrated production and test facility in Prague.