GE Aerospace‘s Catalyst turboprop engine has received certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAR (Federal Aviation Regulation) Part 33 certification involved over 23 engines and more than 190 component tests.
Catalyst is the first clean-sheet, centreline advanced turboprop engine of the 21st century and the first in its class to be certified to the latest standards, which include more than 20 significant new requirements.
During the certification process, the test engines completed over 8,000 hours of operation, demonstrating and meeting key performance targets.
Paul Corkery, Catalyst General Manager at Avio Aero, said, “Catalyst has been through a rigorous certification and testing process. 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 engine will bring a significant shift to this segment, offering an industry-best 16:1 overall pressure ratio, enabling up to 18% better fuel consumption and up to 10% higher cruise power compared to competitors in the same engine class. Catalyst introduces two stages of variable stator vanes, cooled high-pressure turbine blades, and features components produced through additive manufacturing.
The Catalyst engine is part of the GE Aerospace suite of next-generation engines defining the future of flight. It was designed, developed, and manufactured at GE Aerospace sites in Europe, including Avio Aero in Italy, the Czech Republic, Poland and Germany.
