Spectrum Aeronautical's Freedom Jet to use GE HondaHF120 Engine
Thursday, 16 November 2006 00:29
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE OCTOBER 16, 2006Orlando, FL, National Business Aviation Association Convention – October 16, 2006 –
Spectrum Aeronautical announced that it is developing a new mid-size business aircraft called the Spectrum Freedom S-40 that will be powered by the GE Honda HF120 engine.The Freedom is Spectrum's second model. It is considerably larger than Spectrum's first aircraft, the Spectrum Independence S-33.
Spectrum's Freedom is a mid-size business jet with a “stand-up” cabin made using carbon fiber/epoxy. This superior material gives it exceptional performance and value. The aircraft will significantly reduce operating costs, particularly fuel consumption, and its composite materials won't fatigue or corrode. Spectrum's Freedom is designed to cruise at FL450 and speeds up to 435 nautical miles per hour (500 MPH) and fly as far as 2,200 nautical miles while using significantly less fuel than any other comparably sized aircraft. The Spectrum Freedom is targeted for certification and entry into service in 2010.
Spectrum Freedom will utilize GE Honda's new 2000+ lb. thrust HF120 turbofan engine.
Drawing from both GE and Honda’s technology, leadership, and experience, the HF120 is being designed and tested with the goal of setting new standards of performance for small jet engines in terms of fuel efficiency, durability, with low noise and emissions.
Certification for the HF120 production engine is targeted for 2009.
Linden Blue, managing director of Spectrum said "GE and Honda represent experience, integrity and finesse. We expect their new engine will rise to the quality the world has come to expect from those companies."
Gary Leonard, President of GE Honda Aero Engines added, “Since the joint company was formed in 2004, the collaboration between GE and Honda has been outstanding. We are fully focused on introducing new propulsion technologies that will raise the bar for this segment of aviation. We are pleased to be working with Spectrum Aeronautical and believe that the Spectrum Freedom has a bright future.”
More information on GE Honda Aero Engines is available at: http://www.gehonda.com/
Honda (NYSE: HMC) is the world’s largest engine manufacturer, annually producing more than 20 million engines for a wide range of products, including motorcycles, ATVs, generators, marine engines, lawn and garden equipment, and Honda and Acura automobiles.
GE-Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is one of the world's leading manufacturers of jet engines for civil and military aircraft, and the world leading provider of maintenance and support services for jet engines. For more information on GE, visit: http://www.ge.com, and its aviation business at
http://www.geaviation.com.