Textron selects GE to make new turboprop engine

GE Aviation will make the engine for Textron Aviation’s new single-engine turboprop airplane.

The 1,300-shaft-horsepower engine is GE’s first entry in what it says will be a family of turboprop engines for business and general aviation aircraft. GE made the announcement Monday at the National Business Aviation Association Convention & Exhibition.

Textron Aviation announced plans for a 280 knot, 1,500-nautical-mile range single turboprop at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture fly-in in July. The airplane would be a direct competitor to the Pilatus PC-12, which has been a successfully selling airplane for the Swiss manufacturer.

Textron Aviation said it would announce more details on the new turboprop airplane at AirVenture in 2016.

GE said it expects to conduct a detailed design review of its new turboprop engine in 2017. A full engine test will follow in 2018, GE said.

This story was originally published November 16, 2015 at 3:59 PM with the headline "Textron selects GE to make new turboprop engine."