CINCINNATI - GE Aerospace in Cincinnati announced that its Catalyst turboprop engine has received certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), clearing the way for its entry into service. The FAR Part 33 certification process involved more than 23 test engines and over 190 component evaluations.
According to GE Aerospace, the Catalyst is the first newly designed turboprop engine of the 21st century and the first to meet the latest FAA certification standards, which include more than 20 new regulatory requirements.
The engine features Full Authority Digital Engine and Propeller Control (FADEPC), a single-lever control system developed by Safran Electronics & Defense in Paris. This system synchronizes engine and propeller operations to reduce the pilot's workload.
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“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,” said Riccardo Procacci, president and CEO of Propulsion and Additive Technologies at GE Aerospace. “We are now fully committed to supporting the production ramp-up of the engine toward its entry into service.”
The company said the test engines operated for more than 8,000 hours during the certification process, meeting key performance targets.
“Catalyst has been through a rigorous certification and testing process,” said Paul Corkery, general manager of the Catalyst program 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.”
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The Catalyst engine features a 16:1 overall pressure ratio, which GE says improves fuel consumption by up to 18% and increases cruise power by up to 10% compared to competitors. It is the first turboprop in its class to incorporate two stages of variable stator vanes and cooled high-pressure turbine blades. Several components were produced using additive manufacturing.
The engine was developed and manufactured at GE Aerospace sites in Europe, including Avio Aero in Italy and facilities in the Czech Republic, Poland, and Germany.
