Author Bright Ibeawuchi

China Aviation industry General aircraft Co., Ltd. (CAIGA) has selected GE Aviation's new H85 turboprop engine to power CAIGA's Primus 150 aircraft, the 150 is a five-seat business aircraft, slated to become the first business aircraft built in China. This will be the first application for the H85 turboprop engine, which is currently awaiting certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

The Primus 150 a five-seat, pressurized turboprop aircraft primarily constructed out of carbon composite material is scheduled to have its first flight in October 2013, with plans to obtain FAR Part 23 certification in 2015.

The 150 will be one of the fastest turboprops in the world with a maximum cruise speed of 352kt (652km/h), a maximum range of 1,410nm (2,610km) and a ceiling of 28,000ft (8,530m).

CAIGA is a subsidiary company of Aviation industry Corporation of China (AVIC).  CAIGA recently acquired US-based Cirrus Aircraft  and projects  a global General Aviation presence from  five major manufacturing bases located  in Zhuhai, Guizhou, Shijiazhuang, Jingmen and Shenzhen.

CAIGA is also developing a comprehensive business model, that includes  R & D,  manufacturing, general aviation operation, client support and service. Its range of business covers components and parts manufacturing, final assembly, pilot training, FBO (Fixed Base Operator), maintenance, leasing and various sectors.

CAIGA and GE have signed an agreement to jointly develop, service and support programs for the H85. Brad Mottier, vice president and general manager of GE Aviation's Business & General Aviation organization, stated "China is one of the fastest growing markets for business and general aviation, The H85-powered Primus 150 will allow GE to strengthen its presence in the region and to be a significant participant in China's 12th five-year growth plan."

The H85 engine is a derivative of GE's H80 engine, that recently entered service on the Thrush 510G aircraft. The H80 turboprop engine family incorporates GE's 3D aerodynamic design techniques and advanced materials to make a strong, fuel-efficient, durable engine with no repeated fuel nozzle inspections and no hot section inspection. The H80 engine features a service lifetime of 3,600 flight-hours or 6,600 cycles between overhauls. The H80 engine additionally offers a standard automobile start and limiting unit to simplify engine start-up as well as a choice of propeller governors to permit customers flexibility in propeller choice.

The H85 engine is rated at 850 shaft horsepower (shp) for takeoff and maximum continuous operation. The engine is geared toward the business turboprop, agricultural, commuter and utility aircraft segments. EASA engine type certification is anticipated this year with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration expected next year.

The H85 engines will be manufactured at GE Aviation's facility in the Czech  republic, which is presently ramping up production of the H80 engines. In conjunction with the Thrush 510G agricultural aircraft, the H80 engine also has been selected to power the aircraft Industries L410 commuter aircraft, which is predicted to enter service in early 2013.