GE Aviation yesterday said that subsidiary GE Aviation Czech will begin certification testing of its new 800-shp H80 turboprop engine by the end of this month, slightly earlier than previous projections. Last summer, GE
acquired assets of Walter Engines and renamed the division GE Aviation Czech. Component testing of the H80 has been under way for several months, and GE recently started aeromechanical and performance testing on test engines. “The results from our component and engine demonstration tests of the H80 have been positive, and we look forward to the start of certification testing on the H80, which is the first new commercial turboprop engine for GE in more than a decade,” noted GE Aviation business and general aviation vice president and general manager Brad Mottier. The H80 engine combines the design of the Walter M601 engine with GE’s 3-D aerodynamic design techniques and “advanced” materials to create a turboprop that is more powerful, fuel-efficient and durable. The H80 will feature an extended service life of 3,600 flight hours and 6,600 cycles between overhauls. FAA certification of the new engine is expected early next year.