GE Aviation’s Catalyst engine will be the company’s first, all-new clean sheet turboprop engine in 50 years, according to the company’s website. It borrows many technologies from GE’s big engine business to create a full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) turboprop that—if it lives up to expectations—is certain to give Pratt & Whitney Canada’s venerable PT6 a run for its money. Textron Aviation chose the Catalyst to power its new Denali single-engine turboprop. GE expects Catalyst to be certified before the end of 2021. A bi-lateral agreement with European authorities means the FAA and EASA will recognize each region’s work on this US-designed engine that GE expects to be certified before the end of 2022. Work on Catalyst began in 2016. The result has been an engine with 800 fewer parts than traditional turboprops, all thanks to 3D printing.
GE’s Paul Corkery Updates Progress on the Catalyst Engine
Key Takeaways:
- GE Aviation's Catalyst is its first new turboprop engine in 50 years, featuring a Full-Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) and 3D printing for 800 fewer parts.
- The engine offers significant performance improvements, including 15-17% better fuel efficiency, higher power at altitude, and reduced emissions (CO2 and NOx).
- Textron Aviation has selected the Catalyst to power its new Denali single-engine turboprop, with certification expected before the end of 2022 following extensive testing in Europe.
- The Catalyst is designed for future compatibility with sustainable fuels and is positioned to support the emerging hybrid aircraft market.
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