Nextant Aerospace officials have selected GE's improved H80 engine to power Nextant’s G90XT turboprop, which is built upon enhancing and remanufacturing the King Air C90 series aircraft. In addition to the G90XT, Nextant and GE have a collaborative agreement to work on future product studies in which GE will be the preferred engine supplier.
"The H80 engine for Nextant's G90XT aircraft will incorporate several new features that bring additional value to customers," says Brad Mottier, vice president and general manager of the Business and General Aviation and Integrated Systems organizations at GE Aviation. "We look forward to further collaboration with Nextant on more opportunities that lie ahead."
"Nextant's collaboration with GE is an exciting milestone in the history of our company," says Sean McGeough, president of Nextant Aerospace. "For our customers, it means we can offer them an expanded range of products which all offer an exceptional combination of performance and economy. Nextant's significant purchase price advantage is now matched by equally dramatic savings in fuel and maintenance costs, thanks to the advanced engine technology built into GE's powerplants."
The GE H80 introduces improvements in aerodynamics and metallurgy so that the engine runs at higher temperatures and pressures. That translates into lower fuel burn and higher power output, even in hot and high conditions, according to the manufacturer. Maintenance costs can be lower, too, thanks to simplified design, advanced manufacturing techniques, and a 3,600-hour TBO that requires no midpoint hot section inspection. A new integrated electronic engine control on the H80 engine enables single-lever power control, full auto-start capability, and direct interface with the aircraft avionics system to further ease pilot workload. The new slower-turning gearbox drives a new generation of propellers designed specifically for Nextant to increase range and fuel efficiency while reducing cabin noise.
The G90XT, expected to come to market in 2014, will benefit from a completely rebuilt and upgraded airframe, cockpit, and cabin. An enhanced Garmin G1000 integrated flight deck brings many jet-standard features to turboprop flying to deliver improved aircraft performance, low operating costs, and a host of safety and maintenance benefits. A variety of Special Missions configurations will also be available, including air ambulance, freight, training, surveillance, and high-density seating.
Nextant Aerospace is recognized as the first company in the world to introduce aircraft remanufacturing to the business jet market with the Nextant 400XTi, a completely rebuilt Beechjet 400A/XP with Williams FJ44-3AP engines, the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 integrated avionics suite, aerodynamic enhancements, and an improved engine mounting configuration.
Nextant is a company of Directional Aviation Capital, a private investment firm whose single focus is private business aviation.
Sources: Nextant Aerospace, GE Aviation