Brazil – GE Aviation submitted an application to EASA to utilize S10 diesel fuel for its H Series turboprops. The anticipated application approval would help Brazilian H Series operators lower fuel costs by up to 25%.
The average H Series engine consumes 648,000 liters of fuel before its first scheduled overhaul at 3,600 flight hours. By utilizing S10 diesel, operators could save more than $225,000 (USD) on fuel costs between overhauls.
"GE is committed to offering our customers the most innovative, fuel-efficient, powerful and durable turboprop engines," said Brad Mottier, vice president and general manager of GE Aviation's Business & General Aviation and Integrated Systems organization. "By utilizing diesel fuel, we can help those customers significantly lower fuel costs while maintaining the reliability and durability demonstrated throughout the service life of the H Series." He adds, "For too long, this segment of the market has not experienced much technical innovation. GE is committed to changing that storyline."
The H Series turboprop family – which includes the H75, H80 and H85 engines – incorporates GE's 3-D aerodynamic design techniques and advanced materials to create a powerful, fuel-efficient, durable engine with no recurrent fuel nozzle inspections and no hot section inspection. On the H Series, GE is also developing an integrated electronic engine control (EEC) for true single lever power control, and full auto-start capability to help ease pilot workload.
GE's H Series powers nine applications including the Thrush 510G, Nextant Aerospace G90XT and Aircraft Industries L410 aircraft. The engine family provides the option of a single- or dual-acting governor, allowing customers to have flexibility in propeller selection. The engine is targeted at the agricultural, business turboprop, commuter and utility aircraft segments.
GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings.