OSHKOSH, Wisconsin -- Following GE's acquisition of certain assets of Walter Engines, GE Aviation is launching a new turboprop derivative engine, the M601H-80, for the utility, agriculture and retrofit aircraft segments. The new derivative engine will be offered to customers starting at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008. 



The new M601H-80 engine will incorporate GE's 3D-aero design and advanced materials into the engine's hot-section compressor and turbine as well as a new nozzle guide vane material in the gas generator and power turbine, new materials in the combustor liner and GE's blisk design in the axial compressor. These advanced technologies and designs will improve fuel efficiency by 7 percent compared to the existing M601F engine and offer increased temperature margin to improve hot day takeoff and high altitude cruise speeds. The M601H-80 engine will have an extended service life of 3,600 hours and 6,600 cycles between overhauls. The new derivative engine will offer power up to 800 shaft horsepower (shp). The new hot section will also be available as an upgrade to existing M601F engines. 



"The M601H-80 engine will build upon the solid turboprop design of the M601 engine and Walter Engines' presence in the utility and agriculture aviation segment where more than 1,500 engines are in service," said Brad Mottier, vice president and general manager of GE Aviation's Business and General Aviation organization. "With the acquisition by GE, Walter Aircraft Engines has access to advanced technologies and design tools to enhance the engine and continue to grow its customer base." 



GE and Walter Aircraft Engines began working on the derivative engine last year and have conducted significant design evaluations on the new M601H-80 engine derivative, including component tests at GE and Walter facilities. The target for engine certification is late 2009. 



In June, GE finalized the acquisition of certain assets of Walter Engines a.s., a $28 million company with a long history in the aviation business. The company has produced more than 37,000 engines, and its Walter M601 turboprop engine family has accumulated a total of more than 16 million hours on 30 applications since its introduction in 1975. 



GE Aviation began trading under the new trading name of Walter Aircraft Engines and will continue to design and produce engines in the Czech Republic. It will also offer customers the added product support services for which GE is known. 



GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines and components as well as integrated digital, electric power, and mechanical systems for aircraft. GE Aviation also has a global service network to support these offerings.