GE Aerospace's Catalyst turboprop engine receives FAA certification, marking a significant milestone in aviation technology.
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| GE Aerospace's Catalyst turboprop engine achieves FAA certification, paving the way for a new era in aviation with enhanced performance and fuel efficiency. |
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA — February 27, 2025:
GE Aerospace today announced a major milestone in aviation technology with the receipt of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for its Catalyst turboprop engine. This marks a significant achievement as the Catalyst is the first new centerline turboprop engine designed and certified to the latest, more stringent FAA standards in the 21st century.
The certification process involved rigorous testing, encompassing over 23 engines and more than 190 component tests, with a combined total of over 8,000 hours of operation. These tests rigorously evaluated the engine's performance across various parameters, ensuring it meets the highest safety and performance standards.
The Catalyst engine boasts an industry-leading 16:1 overall pressure ratio, translating to up to 18% better fuel consumption and up to 10% higher cruise power compared to its competitors in the same class. This enhanced performance is attributed to advanced features such as two stages of variable stator vanes, cooled high-pressure turbine blades, and components manufactured using additive manufacturing techniques.
Riccardo Procacci, President and CEO of Propulsion and Additive Technologies at GE Aerospace, expressed his pride in the team's accomplishment, stating that the certification is a "significant milestone." Paul Corkery, Catalyst General Manager at Avio Aero, emphasized the rigorous testing process and expressed confidence in the engine's exceptional performance.
GE Aerospace is now focused on supporting the ramp-up of Catalyst engine production and its entry into service. This includes providing critical support to Textron Aviation as they complete the certification process for the Beechcraft Denali aircraft, which will be powered by the Catalyst engine.