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manufacturing and engineering in Europe that perform some of the design work for engines that are manufactured here in the United States." GE manufactures parts in Europe that are then assembled here in the U.S. As far as the advanced turboprop effort is concerned, engineering project management and systems engineering group will be European-based. He says they'll "use European resources to the maximum extent possible. This is a global [author's emphasis added] engine." Heretofore GE Aviation has been build- ing out its H80, a small horsepower turbo- prop that competes in the smaller power range precincts, from 750 to 850 horse- power. But the company wanted some - thing with substantially more punch, a powerplant in the 1,300 to 1,650 horse- power range. TEXTRON'S REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Mottier says Textron told GE Aviation the airframer would issue a request for pro- posal and see what other parties could come up with. The upshot: if such an engine would be produced at the right price it would be significant and Textron could develop a new, clean-sheet air- frame, one built around the new pow- erplant's capabilities. That was in December 2014, and the race was on. The field was narrowed to a trio of competitors and GE Aviation ended up on top. Mottier describes what lies ahead now for him and his team a "once-in-a-career opportunity," an opportunity potentially worth US$40 billion in revenue over the next 25 years. No less than GE Chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt highlighted ATP's possibilities in the company's most recent annual report. According to Textron Aviation spokes- woman Lindsay Adrian, GE advanced turboprop will be the only engine the new SETP uses. "We're designing the aircraft to be powered," solely by the ATP. "Our single-engine turboprop will combine the best of both clean-sheet aircraft and new engine design," says Adrian. "Selecting GE as our engine part- ner reflects the best fit for the mission." Textron is moving methodically, with consummate caution, in releasing details about SETP — declining just now to announce the name, maintenance advances, projected in-service date, or where the aircraft will be built. What is known is that it will have a range in excess of 1,500 nautical miles and a speed greater than 280 knots. Adrian says the single-engine craft will sport "best-in-class operating costs." INLET REPAIR Put Your Trust In Our Experts For 1.316.733.9240 repairs@globalparts.aero www.globalparts.aero D-rings • Frames Bulkheads • Barrel Skins Outer Skins Our extensive range of sheet metal capabilities enables us to Repair/manufacture and replace some of the most common items: AviationPros.com/company/10451249 H SERIES engine is built in the Czech Republic. GE AVIATION