Mon, Aug 27, 2007
Wants To Expand Presence In Light Turboprop Segment
Saying the company wishes to expand
its presence in Europe and the Czech Republic -- as well as
the light turboprop segment -- on Monday GE Aviation signed a
definitive agreement to purchase the assets of Prague-based Walter
Engines a.s., makers of the M601 turboprop engine family.
"Walter Engines will broaden GE's capabilities in the small
turboprop segment of aviation," said GE Aviation president and CEO
Scott Donnelly.
Terms of the agreement were not disclosed, according to Dow
Jones Newswires. The deal is subject to regulatory approval.
Walter Engines was founded in 1911, and began to build engines
in 1923. Since then, the company has produced over 37,000 engines.
More than 1,500 of those are derivatives of the M601, first
delivered in 1975.
Today, the M601 is used on over 30 aircraft types... including
such aircraft as DeHavilland DHC-3s, Comp Air turboprops, King
Airs, and the LET L-410 twin turboprop regional aircraft. The
engine family has accumulated over 16 million hours in service,
according to Walter.
"The access to financial and technological resources of GE will
benefit our current and future customers," said Michal Cerny,
Chairman of the Board of Walter Engines.
In addition to manufacturing and overhauling turboprop engines,
Walter Engines also manufactures high precision machined parts for
the aviation industry with customers worldwide.
The enginemaker employs around 520 workers in the Czech
Republic.
More News
Inversion to Launch Reentry Vehicle Demonstrator Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 This fall, the aerospace startup Inversion is set to launch its Ray reentry demonstrator capsule aboard Spac>[...]
"We are excited to accelerate the adoption of electric aviation technology and further our journey towards a sustainable future. The agreement with magniX underscores our commitmen>[...]
"The journey to this achievement started nearly a decade ago when a freshly commissioned Gentry, driven by a fascination with new technologies and a desire to contribute significan>[...]
Aero Linx: OX5 Aviation Pioneers Each year a national reunion of OX5 Aviation Pioneers is hosted by one of the Wings in the organization. The reunions attract much attention as man>[...]
"Our driven and innovative team of military and civilian Airmen delivers combat power daily, ensuring our nation is ready today and tomorrow." Source: General Duke Richardson, AFMC>[...]