Engine prototyping Prepares GE Honda Aero Engines for Certification Tests

29 July 2008

Oshkosh, USA: GE Honda Aero Engines says it has built and tested eight HF120 engine cores and eight full turbofan engine configurations to prepare for formal certification testing later this year. The HF120 is an advanced 2000 lb thrust class turbofan propulsion system.

Honda officials aid that this represents one of the most aggressive test programmes for a new jet engine prior to official FAA certification testing. "We´re optimizing the engine configuration before certification testing," said Bill Dwyer, president of GE Honda Aero Engines. "The combined resources of the Honda and GE engineering teams working closely together make this possible."

Reportedly, test results have been highly encouraging, with the HF120 engine demonstrating more than 2,100 pounds of thrust while exceeding ambitious fuel efficiency and durability targets. Testing continues throughout next year with FAA certification targeted for late 2009.

Also in 2009, the engine undergoes flight tests on a flying testbed, as well as on the HondaJet.

The GE Honda HF120 engine was launched in 2006 with service entry scheduled in 2010. By service entry, the HF120 is expected to have accumulated more than 15,000 hours of ground and flight testing.

Engine production is slated to begin in 2009 at GE´s Lynn, Massachusetts, facility.