GE Aerospace Catalyst Turboprop Engine Gains FAA Certification

The powerplant is set to power the new single-engine Beechcraft Denali, which is undergoing certification.

“Catalyst has been through a rigorous certification and testing process," said Paul Corkery, Catalyst general manager at Avio Aero. "We are pleased with the performance of the engine throughout its ground and flight test campaigns, and we remain fully focused on supporting Textron Aviation as they complete the certification process and prepare for entry into service of the Beechcraft Denali.”

According to GE Aerospace, the Catalyst engine is the first turboprop with 3D-printed components and will offer 18 percent better fuel consumption and a 10 percent increase in cruise power compared to its same-class competitors. 

During the certification process, which the company called a significant milestone, more than 190 components involving 23 engines were tested over more than 8,000 hours of operation.

"We are now fully committed to supporting the production ramp-up of the engine towards the entry into service in support of our customers," Riccardo Procacci, president and CEO of propulsion and additive technologies at GE Aerospace, said in a statement.