Browse > Home / Aeronautics News / Czech Government Awards Research Grants to GE Aviation Czech

Czech Government Awards Research Grants to GE Aviation Czech

Written by thomas · Filed Under Aeronautics News 

September 10, 2009

thomas

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC — September 10, 2009 — The Czech Government has
awarded research grants valued at about $4 million USD (70 million CZK)
to GE Aviation Czech s.r.o The grants will assist GE Aviation Czech in
incorporating advanced technologies into its existing Walter M601 series
engines to reshape the landscape of turboprop aviation. These research
grants, awarded through the Czech Republic’s Ministry of Industry and
Trade, are the first grants ever received by GE Aviation from the Czech
Government.
Since its debut in 1975, the M601 turboprop engine family has amassed 17
million flight-hours on more than 30 aircraft types, marking a record of
durability, reliability and ease of maintenance.  GE Aviation Czech, in
cooperation with the Czech Aeronautical Research and Test Institute,
will use the grants to incorporate sophisticated technologies into a new
derivative of the M601 engine. The new engine, the H80, will feature
modern 3D aerodynamic design, advanced materials and new features, such
as an axial compressor blisk, to reduce weight and parts count while
significantly enhancing engine performance.
“The confidence and support that the Czech Republic’s Ministry of
Industry and Trade has bestowed upon GE Aviation Czech are a testament
to the H80’s potential and further solidifies the government’s
commitment to the aviation industry here in the Czech Republic,” said
Paul Theofan, GE Aviation Czech President.
The H80 engine will deliver more shaft-horsepower, improved fuel
efficiency and increased temperature margin, significantly enhancing
hot-day takeoff performance and high-altitude cruise speeds. The H80
engine will also feature an extended overhaul interval of 3,600
flight-hours and 6,600 cycles.
The development work is being performed under GE Aviation Czech’s
aircraft engine Design Organization Approval authority issued by the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). EASA type certification is
expected in early 2010, shortly followed by certification with the U.S.
Federal Aviation Administration. All H80 models will be produced at GE
Aviation Czech’s fully integrated production and test facility in
Prague.
In 2008, GE Aviation acquired certain assets of Walter Engines a.s., a
Czech company with over 90 years of aviation heritage, and formed GE
Aviation Czech s.r.o. GE Aviation Czech specializes in the design,
production and service of turboprop engines at its integrated research
and development and manufacturing facility in Letnany, Prague, in the
Czech Republic.
Founded in 1922, the Czech Aeronautical Research and Test Institute
(VZLU), is a research organization of the Czech Republic that provides
research and technological support to the aeronautic, space and other
selected industries. It has more than 150 engineers with masters or
doctorate degrees, and its extensive scientific, prototyping and testing
capabilities include aerodynamic, fatigue, environmental and systems
test laboratories for aircraft, engines and propellers. For more
information, visit http://www.vzlu.cz/en/.
GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE),
is a world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines and
components as well as avionics, electric power, and mechanical systems
for aircraft. GE Aviation also has a global service network to support
these offerings.

» Próximo Post - Helicopter Support Inc. (HSI) Activates Contractor Support Site for Light Utility Helicopters
« Post Aneterior - Embraer to Attend Russia’s Premier Business Aviation Event

Comments

¿Tiene algo que decir?

You must be logged in to post a comment.