Story ID: 
GE Catalyst Turboprop Engine Gets FAA Nod
By: Chad Trautvetter
Caption: Powerplant is 18% more fuel efficient than others in the 1,200- to 1,400-shp class
Word Count: 309
GE Aerospace on Thursday announced that its Catalyst turboprop engine has received FAA certification, the culmination of a program involving more than 23 engines and some 190 component tests. The company said Catalyst is the first clean-sheet advanced turboprop of the 21st century, as well as the first to be certified to the latest Part 33 standards, which include more than 20 significant new requirements. Textron Aviation’s Beechcraft Denali turboprop single, which is expected to enter service this year, is the launch platform for the new GE engine.
“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,” said Riccardo Procacci, president and CEO for propulsion and additive technologies at GE Aerospace. “We are now fully committed to supporting the production ramp-up of the engine towards the entry into service in support of our customers.”
The engine was designed, developed, and manufactured at GE Aerospace sites in Europe, including Avio Aero in Italy, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Germany. Test engines logged more than 8,000 hours during the certification process, GE said.
“Catalyst has been through a rigorous certification and testing process,” said Paul Corkery, Catalyst general manager at Avio Aero. “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.”
According to GE, the engine’s 16:1 overall pressure ratio enables up to 18% better fuel consumption and up to 10% higher cruise power versus competing engines in the same 1,200- to 1,400-shp class. Catalyst also features stator vane and turbine blade components made via additive manufacturing.