HF120 aero engine nears final certification

GE Honda Aero Engines announced at EBACE that the HF120 engine is nearing completion of the FAA certification tests.

In the last six months, the HF120 engine successfully completed crosswind testing and the 150-hour block endurance test. The final remaining test, the medium bird ingestion, is scheduled for completion in July. More than 95 percent of the certification documents to the FAA have been submitted with more than 84 percent already approved.

“The 150-hour block endurance test is very difficult and puts an engine through conditions that it will never experience in the field. We are extremely pleased with the engine’s performance during the tests and the condition of the HF120’s endurance test hardware,” said Terry Sharp, president of GE Honda Aero Engines. “We anticipate finishing testing in July with engine type certification from the FAA expected in the fourth quarter.”

HF120 engines have accumulated more than 7,300 hours and more than 9,700 cycles during development and certification testing at nine different test locations. This included accumulation of 3,000 cycles on one engine as part of its endurance validation program. The validation program simulates flight cycles, and the engine will serve as the fleet leader, well ahead of entry-into-service.

The supply chain is ramping up for HF120 engine production with components being stocked. GE’s facility in Lynn, Mass. is responsible for initial production. Production will transition to the Honda Aero Inc.’s facility in Burlington, NC, soon after certification of the HF120.

In 2004, GE and Honda formed a 50/50 joint venture, called GE Honda Aero Engines, based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The joint company integrates the resources of GE Aviation and Honda Aero, Inc., a Honda subsidiary established to manage its aviation engine business. The GE Honda HF120 engine program was launched in 2006 and was selected to power Honda Aircraft Company’s advanced light jet, the HondaJet.