Mon, Jul 28, 2008
"Robust" Design Aimed At Ag Use, Retrofit Market
GE Aviation's recent acquisition of certain assets of Walter
Engines is already yielding fruit, as the company takes aim at
challenging Pratt & Whitney Canada's PT-6 in the light
turboprop segment. On Monday the company announced a new turboprop
derivative engine, the M601H-80, aimed at the utility, agriculture
and retrofit aircraft segments. The new derivative engine will be
offered to customers starting at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008.
The new M601H-80 engine will incorporate GE's 3D-aero design and
advanced materials into the engine's hot-section compressor and
turbine as well as a new nozzle guide vane material in the gas
generator and power turbine, new materials in the combustor liner
and GE's blisk design in the axial compressor. These advanced
technologies and designs will improve fuel efficiency by 7 percent
compared to the existing M601F engine and offer increased
temperature margin to improve hot day takeoff and high altitude
cruise speeds. The M601H-80 engine will have an extended service
life of 3,600 hours and 6,600 cycles between overhauls. The new
derivative engine will offer power up to 800 shaft horsepower
(shp). The new hot section will also be available as an upgrade to
existing M601F engines.
"The M601H-80 engine will build upon the solid turboprop design
of the M601 engine and Walter Engines' presence in the utility and
agriculture aviation segment where more than 1,500 engines are in
service," said Brad Mottier, vice president and general manager of
GE Aviation's Business and General Aviation organization. "With the
acquisition by GE, Walter Aircraft Engines has access to advanced
technologies and design tools to enhance the engine and continue to
grow its customer base."
GE and Walter Aircraft Engines began working on the derivative
engine last year and have conducted significant design evaluations
on the new M601H-80 engine derivative, including component tests at
GE and Walter facilities.
The target for engine certification is late 2009.
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