Agricultural aircraft maker, Thrush Aircraft and GE Aviation announced plans to re-engine the Thrush 510G turboprop aircraft with the ...
Agricultural aircraft maker, Thrush Aircraft and GE Aviation announced plans to re-engine the Thrush 510G turboprop aircraft with the more powerful GE H85 turboprop engine
The engine upgrade will feature more power and a new electronic engine control (EEC) system designed to reduce pilot workload with a single-lever control for both engine and propeller operation.
The H85 with EEC system will be offered as an optional engine upgrade to the standard H80-powered 510G. The new 850 shp H85-powered 510G aircraft is expected to enter service in 2017.
In 2009, Thrush selected the H80 to power an improved version of its 510-gallon, 10,500-pounds gross weight Thrush aerial applicator (crop duster), becoming the first ever application for GE’s H Series, which now includes the H75, H80 and H85 engines.
The new 510G’s EEC will automatically prevent engine overtemping and overtorquing, leading to longer engine life and easier maintenance.
The new EEC provides true single lever power control and full auto-start capability to help ease pilot workload for H Series-powered aircraft. Initial flight testing of the EEC system will begin in the first quarter of 2016 on the Nextant G90XT with certification expected the following quarter.
With a hopper capacity of 510 gallons, a gross weight of 10,500 pounds, and GE’s H Series engines up front, the Thrush 510G is designed for superior performance for agricultural operations.
The Thrush 510G features a 60,000-hour wing spar life. Additional features include a tubular steel fuselage and cockpit roll cage, removable fuselage skins, and chromate-treated aluminum surfaces for corrosion prevention; all designed to maximize pilot safety, reduce maintenance times and enhance aircraft productivity.
