GE Aviation will soon start certification testing of its new 800-shp H80 turboprop engine, derived from the Walter M601. Last summer, GE
acquired certain assets of Prague, Czech Republic-based Walter Engines. According to GE Aviation v-p and general manager of business and general aviation Brad Mottier, “The team took the robust design of the Walter M601 engine and incorporated GE’s 3-D aerodynamic design techniques and advanced materials to create a more powerful, fuel-efficient, durable turboprop engine.” Besides the internal aerodynamic improvements, the H80’s two-stage axial compressor includes a turbine blisk design. GE is continuing component testing of the H80, and the engine has already accumulated more than 3,000 cycles during hot-section demonstration tests in Prague. Engine certification testing is set to begin later this year, with certification expected early next year.