Catalyst turboprop engine achieves FAA certification

GE Aerospace announced that the Catalyst turboprop engine has been certified by the US Federal Aviation Administration. The FAR Part 33 certification involved over 23 engines and more than 190 component tests. Catalyst is the first, new centerline, clean-sheet advanced turboprop of the 21st century and the first turboprop engine to be certified to the latest standards, which include more than 20 significant new requirements. 

Riccardo Procacci, President and CEO, Propulsion and Additive Technologies at GE Aerospace commented:  “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. We are now fully committed to supporting the production ramp-up of the engine towards the entry into service in support of our customers.”

During the certification process, the test engines completed more than 8,000 hours of operation demonstrating and meeting its 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 radical change to this segment, thanks to its industry-best 16:1 overall pressure ratio that enables 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 made by using additive manufacturing.

The Catalyst engine belongs to the GE Aerospace suite of next generation engines which are 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.