Honeywell to power new Kestrel turboprop

Kestrel Aircraft Company has selected the Honeywell TPE331-14GR engine to power its new all composite single-engine turboprop.

Headquartered in Maine in the US, Kestrel Aircraft is the brainchild of GA entrepreneur Alan Klapmeier, who along with his brother Dale founded the highly successful Cirrus Aircraft in 1984.

Based on the original work done by Farnborough Aircraft, the Kestrel turboprop will be a six to eight seat, all composite, single-engine turboprop, with Kestrel claiming it will boast a broad performance envelope and the newest technologies available in personal and business aircraft.

With particular attention to ease and cost of operation, Kestrel aims to produce an aircraft that combines high cruise speed and long range while carrying large payloads in and out of short runways.

The TPE331-14GR produces 1759 thermodynamic horsepower, but the Kestrel will flat rate the engine to approximately 1000 shaft horsepower to allow for better high altitude, high temperature performance.

(Kestrel)

While Kestrel says the Honeywell powerplant proved the best option following a vigorous testing process, company Chairman and CEO Klapmeier says equally important in the decision was whether or not Honeywell would make a good team member on the project.

“Making sure we had the right supplier to further progress on the design was pivotal,” Klapmeier explains. “Honeywell’s commitment to the success of the Kestrel program makes them a real team member. We are happy to have their support, knowledge, and expertise on board. We look forward to providing our future customers an exciting aircraft.”

For more on the Kestrel turboprop click here.

(Kestrel)