Through rapid engine prototyping, GE Honda Aero Engines has built and tested eight HF120 engine cores and eight full turbofan engine configurations to prepare for formal certification testing later this year.
It represents an aggressive test program for a new jet engine prior to official FAA certification testing. “We’re optimizing the engine configuration before certification testing,” said Bill Dwyer, president of GE Honda Aero Engines. “The combined resources of the Honda and GE engineering teams working closely together make this possible.”
To date, test results are highly encouraging. The HF120 engine has demonstrated more than 2,100 pounds of thrust while exceeding ambitious fuel efficiency and durability targets. Testing and rebuilds of full turbofan engines have been underway at Honda’s Aircraft Engine R&D Center in Japan for about a year, verifying the engine design’s operability, thermal characteristics and component efficiencies.
