HF120 engine enters certification test phase

Engine assembly has begun on the GE Honda Aero Engines’ first HF120 engine for FAA certification testing.

The GE Honda HF120 engine was launched in 2006 and selected to power Honda Aircraft’s light jet, the HondaJet, and the Spectrum Aeronautical “Freedom” business jet.

“With the experience we’ve gained through our demonstrator engine testing program, we are confident the HF120 engine configuration is mature and are anticipating a smooth FAA certification testing program,” said Bill Dwyer, president of GE Honda Aero Engines. “The first engine to test will run by the end of the summer, and certification testing will continue into 2010.”

GE Honda Aero Engines has built and tested eight HF120 engine cores and 11 full engine demonstrators. During testing, the engine has exceeded its design goal of 2,095 lbs thrust.

Thirteen HF120 development engines will take part in the certification testing at seven locations in the U.S. and Japan. Tests will include fan blade out, crosswind, stress and endurance testing. GE Honda also plans to test the engine on a flying testbed before flying on the customer certification aircraft. By entry into service, the HF120 will have accumulated more than 15,000 cycles of ground and flight testing.

HF120 engine production will initially begin at GE’s site in Lynn, Mass., and will later transition to Honda Aero Inc.’s recently completed engine production and overhaul facility in Burlington, N.C.

For more information: GEHonda.com, Honda.com or GE.com.