Wed, Dec 08, 2010
Thrush Has Received Experimental Certification From FAA
GE's new H80 turboprop engine has completed its first flight on
the Thrush 510G aerial applicator, which flew on November 23, in
Albany, Georgia.
GE H80 File Photo
"The GE and Thrush teams have been
working toward this milestone since engine selection last year, and
today's events are a testament to this group's extraordinary
efforts," said Brad Mottier, vice president and general manager of
GE Aviation's Business and General Aviation organization. "This is
a historic moment with the Thrush 510G being the first application
for the new H80 engine, and the first North American new engine
installation for the M601 engine family."
The first flight of the Thrush 510G aircraft, a 510-gallon,
10,500-pounds gross weight crop duster, lasted 30 minutes and is
part of the overall flight-testing program to demonstrate the
aircraft's capabilities. Since first flight, the H80-powered 510G
has flown an additional five hours and has achieved experimental
certification from the FAA.
Thrush 510 File Photo
"This truly is a great day for Thrush
Aircraft and the 510G program," said Payne Hughes, Thrush Aircraft
president. "It's the culmination of the hard work and dedication of
our employees. We are looking forward to the 510G flight program
which will demonstrate the enhanced capabilities of this
airplane."
The H80 engine will accumulate more than 8000 cycles and 150
endurance hours during engine durability and performance tests.
Engine certification tests continue at the GE Aviation Czech
facility, with EASA and FAA certification expected in early
2011.
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