Engines
GE Aviation Completes Catalyst First Flight
GE Aviation made the first flight with its new fadec-equipped Catalyst turboprop engine this afternoon in Berlin.

GE Aviation made the first flight with its new Fadec-equipped Catalyst turboprop engine this afternoon in Berlin. Announced customers for the 1,300-shp-class engine include Textron Aviation, for its new Beechcraft Denali turboprop single, and XTI, which plans to use it as part of its hybrid powerplant for the TriFan 600 VTOL aircraft.

The 107-minute local flight, performed with GE’s Beechcraft King Air 350 testbed aircraft, was “flawless” according to Paul Corkery, GE general manager for turboprop engine programs. “We’re thrilled with the results," he said. "The engine ran great. We really feel comfortable with it.” According to data from FlightAware, the aircraft reached an altitude of 10,275 feet and a speed of 226 knots. 

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