New Catalyst Expected to Enter Service With the Beechcraft Denali in 2026

General Electric (GE) recently announced that its latest turboprop engine design, the Catalyst, has completed certification testing and received the FAA's nod of approval. The Catalyst is slated to make its operational debut with the new Beechcraft Denali next year.

“The certification of the Catalyst engine is a significant milestone for our company and a proud moment for all our team members who have dedicated their efforts to the design, development, and testing of this brand-new European turboprop engine,” expressed Riccardo Procacci, President and CEO of Propulsion and Additive Technologies at GE Aerospace.

The engine manufacturer unveiled its plan to design an Advanced Turboprop (ATP) nearly 10 years ago. GE aimed to create a next-generation turboprop in the 1000-1600 shp range that could compete with the ever-popular Pratt & Whitney PT6. Its ATP first ran in December 2017 and was officially dubbed the Catalyst in 2018.

23 engines,190 component tests, and 8,000 hours of operation later, the Catalyst finally received FAR Part 33 certification from the FAA. The testing process took much longer than initially planned due to the regulator adding more than 20 requirements to its certification standards since the last generation of turboprops earned approval.

These delays forced Beechcraft to push back the entry of service of its Denali, which will be the launch partner for the Catalyst. The design, a single-engine turboprop competing with the Pilatus PC-12, was originally expected to become operational in 2024. Denali and Catalyst will now be taking the stage in 2026.

“Catalyst has been through a rigorous certification and testing process,” Paul Corkery, the Catalyst General Manager at Avio Aero. “We are pleased with the performance of the engine throughout its ground and flight test campaigns, and we remain fully focused on supporting Textron Aviation as they complete the certification process and prepare for entry into service of the Beechcraft Denali.”

The Catalyst features an impressive 16:1 overall pressure ratio, allowing customers to save up to 18% in fuel and fly up to 10% faster in cruise. Depending on the gearbox version, the engine can put out anywhere from 1200 to 1400 shp. GE also claims that it is the first next-gen turboprop to utilize 3D printed components.

FMI: www.geaerospace.com