Greek firm designs and tests new turboprop engine for light aircraft

Prototype flight tests began in January. Prototypes of the GVA130, have been installed in three small aircraft of various types and perform daily flights, essentially developing the "portfolio" of performance. The process is expected to be completed next summer.

In terms of performance, it has already been found that there is room for further increased performance, of the power range 180-200 hp! The engine is intended to be competitive in the international market, due to the 60% less weight achieved by Greek engineers, compared to existing piston engines used in the same field of application.

Heron Engines develops the aircraft engine as a private initiative, with its own resources, aiming at the international market. Serious interest has already been expressed by a foreign company for the immediate absorption of production, as soon as the development phase is completed and production begins. This proves the trust that exists in the company and creates prospects for greater penetration in the international market, which in the field of LSA / UL is huge.

The GVA130, in its current form, is considered ideal for light aircraft with a gross weight of approximately 1 ton and in terms of applications, it is possible to use it in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles category Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE).