The GE M601 series engine was originally designed for L-410 commuter. GE
M601 is turboprop engine with free power turbine.
The M601 engine is reverse
flow engine. It has two independent parts: the gas generator and the power part.
The gas generator and free turbine shafts are arranged in a tandem layout. Air
enters the engine in the rear part, flows forward through the compressor,
combustion chamber and turbines and exits through exhaust nozzles near the front
of the engine.
Gas Generator
Air enters the compressor in a radial direction through a protecting screen and annular plenum to the first stage of axial compressor. The compressor consists of two axial stages followed by one centrifugal compressor stage. The combustor chamber is a annular configuration with a low maintenance combustor and fuel distribution system. During operation part of the air flow is directed through a flame tube through the perforations in the wall, the remainder passes through the hollow nozzle guide vanes of the gas generator turbine. The fuel is atomized by a special spray ring rotating with the gas generator shaft. A single stage gas generator turbine drives the compressor section through a direct drive shaft. The interturbine temperature (ITT) is measured by 9 thermocouples installed in the flow path at the gas generator turbine outlet.
Propeller Gearbox
A tip shrouded single stage axial-flow power turbine drives the propeller through a two stages countershaft reduction gearbox. The reduction gearbox embodies an internal torquemeter which provides for signal for the cockpit installed torque or power indication instruments. The exhaust gases from the power turbine pass through a annular plenum to the atmosphere via two exhaust nozzle. The high velocity and high temperature exhaust gases provide additional jet thrust adding to the performance of the airplane.
Fuel and Starting System
The fuel system of the engine is a low pressure system with an engine driven geared fuel pump and the engine is started by an electric starter/generator. Two torch igniters provide the initial flame for starting.
Lubrication System
The oil system is an internal pressure system with an integral oil tank incorporated in the accessory gearbox. The oil system provides lubrication and cooling for bearings and for many internal areas the engine. The engine oil is also used for the torque indication system and propeller governor operation.
Engine Limiter Systems
The engine is equipped with limiters which prevent overtemperature and overspeeding during starting and reverse thrust operating conditions. The limiters indicate the exceedence of permitted operating pramaters of temperature, torque, engine rotating speeds of the gas generator and propeller.
Engine Control
The operation is managed through three cockpit levers. One controls the engine shaft power during positive and reverse propeller blade angle operations. One lever actuates the fuel shut-off valve and if an emergency circuit is on, controls the engine power. The third lever controls the propeller rotation speed and provides emergency feathering and engine shutdown.
Sky Tractor is proud to announce that we
are a dealer for Johnson Conversions!
This conversion will update your Thrush, Air Tractor, or Ag Cat to the
dependable GE M601-E11 jet turbine.
Why you should consider the GE M601 TurboProp Engine?
Why you should consider modifying your present
aircraft with the Johnson Conversion
Why you should consider purchasing your Johnson Conversion from Sky Tractor Supply
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS?
B1 - What is TBO of
M601 engine?
TBO of M601 depends on the engine model and version.
The TBO requirement are set based on flight hours, operating cycles and calendar time. If the engine passes a limit in terms of hours or cycles it must be returned to an authorized GE M601 major repair facility for overhaul.
If the calendar time limit is reached and the engine still has hours and cycles remaining prior to overhaul, the engine maybe sent to the overhaul facility for Shop Revision to extend the calendar life or for overhaul. Shop revision restores the full calendar life, but does not change the engine status in terms of hours and cycles. Example: If the engine has 900 hours and 1500 cycles till overhaul, after a normal Shop Revision the cycles and hours remain unchanged and the full calendar life is re-instated.
B2 - I have purchased a new M601 engine. The engine logbook shows a shorter calendar life than published in some of the GE documents. Can my engine be operated to the published calendar limit?
This discrepancy is caused by the way the engine was certified with our certifying authority, the CAA. The Calendar limit of any M601 is currently 8 years . Your engine can be operated to the full 8-year calendar limit using the field inspection processes defined in the engine Maintenance Manual. The two mandatory inspections are necessary at the 5th and 7th year of operation. The first inspection after 5 years extends the calendar life of the engine by 2 years and the inspection at 7th year extends the calendar life one additional year. These inspections include borescopic inspection of internal parts, replacement of o-rings and other rubber parts, performance and operational checks. The inspection requires only a few man hours by a GE qualified technician and is accomplished with the engine installed on the aircraft.. The calendar limit is then extended by a logbook entry noting approval to continue the engine in service. Your logbook shows the calendar life till the next inspection or overhaul.
B3 - When I look at the M601 engine data sheets, the weights shown are heavier than similar competing turboprop engines. What is the real weight difference?
Yes, according to the data sheets the difference in mass seems higher than other engines of similar powers. GE a.s. shows the data of engine as it is delivered including all the devices included with the standard engine. The GE M601 is delivered fully equipped with most of the basic accessories necessary for operation of the engine. Many of these accessories are not included with our competitor’s engines. This is why the M601 appears to be heavier. The M601 requires less oil and includes more accessories in the basic weight, which decreases the installed weight difference. If you compare the installed engine weight of equally equipped engines, including Oil and accessories , the M601 is about 20 pounds heavier than the competing engines.
B4 - Can you explain how optional bulletin "Cancellation of service life limits and of fixed number of overhauls at all GE M601 engine models" dated September 5, 2002 influences the TBO of the engines? Does this mean the flight cycle limit was cancelled?
This is a misunderstanding caused by the translation of the wording from the Czech language to English. This bulletin addresses an old Life Limit that has been removed and does not address the TBO intervals.
When first introduced the M601 was approved with an ultimate Life Limit. The engine was limited to being overhauled only two times. When the engine reached it’s 3rd Overhaul it was considered un-airworthy. The mentioned bulletin states that this Overhaul Life Limit has been cancelled and now there is no limit in terms of number of times the engine can be overhauled.
Time between overhauls is not affected by this bulletin The applicable Maintenance Manual and Engine Logbook for your engine should be used to determine the TBO and when maintenance is required.
B5 - In the logbook of our M601E engine manufactured 1993, overhauled 1997, the TBO is given to be 2000 hours. In your promotional materials about M601E-11 engine I have read the TBO is 3000 hours. Is this a new TBO applicable on our M601E?
Engines manufactured after January 1998 any new M601E series engine (i.e., M601E, E-11 etc.) have been manufactured with hardware applicable to the TBO of 3000 hours. Overhauled engines may have been overhauled for a TBO of 2000 hours or - if upgraded during overhaul – they may have a 3000 hour TBO. Your engine can be upgraded during the next overhaul to the status of 3000 hours TBO.
There are following options of
overhauls of original (2000 hours TBO) M601E/E-11 engines:
2000 hours 2250
cycles (standard)
Following upgrade options are
available at the time of Overhaul for additional costs:
2000 hours 4000
cycles
3000 hours 3300 cycles
3000 hours 6600 cycles
B6 - I have M601D, can you upgrade it the M601E Model?
We are sorry, but even though on the first view basically all M601 engines look very similar, the internal differences between the M601D and M601E are extensive. The costs associated with the upgrade of engines from any model to different configuration (e.g., from D to E or from E to F) are not considered economically acceptable. You may wish to trade your engine for a later mode and GE can assist you with an exchange.
B7 - I have seen an advertisement mentioning some problems associated with the operation of the M601 in arctic operations.
No, this is a rumor started by our competition. The M601 engine was designed from the very beginning to operate in the extremely cold conditions in Siberia where they have been in service for more than 25 years with no problems. M601E-11 is certified for ground start in temperature ranges of –50 up to +40 deg C ( down to – 20 deg C without engine preheating, down to –50 deg C with engine preheating). The absence of fuel nozzles and the benefit of an electronic start controller provides one button starting to minimize starting difficulties in any climatic conditions.
B8 - I purchased an engine from someone else and it has no logbook, can GE produce a new logbook and will GE Overhaul the engine?
The logbook duplicate can be released only in in case that the original logbook was lost or destroyed if the engine is fully airworthy (incl. calendar life in the moment of duplicate production). To accomplish this, we need: the Engine serial number, number of hours and cycles flown since the last repair, spoiled original logbook (if it exist), or some evidence that the original logbook does not exist or was destroyed or stolen (police protocol about theft, accident or other). The logbook duplicate will be filled in using the data available from company production records.
Yes, we can overhaul such an engine, but since we do not have appropriate data about the previous service life, we will assume the most unfavorable cases and all life limited parts will be exchanged. This will result in a higher than normal Overhaul cost.
B9 - Who can repair my engine?
Overhaul can only be performed by GE Czech SRO in Prague major repairs can be done in the US by certified repair facitlities, and general planned inspections and other routine engine work can be done by Authorized Service Centers who employ technicians with proper training. Other line maintenance is provided by GE a.s. European staff, by the staff at GE or GE Russia. Heavy maintenance up to and including shop revision can be accomplished by GE Overhaul requires the engine to be returned to the GE shop in Czech Republic. Additional Major Service Centers are being added in other parts of the world.
B10 - Does GE have engines available for rental if my engine fails and how long will it take to repair my engine?
Yes, we have prepared engines for AOG situations. These engines are provided free of charge if the requirement for repair of your engine was the fault of Walter.
B11 - I am looking to purchase a GE M601 engine, how much fuel will the engine use?
Fuel consumption depends on the specific engine model, flight conditions, power used and characteristics of individual engine installation. Basic fuel burn infomationis available in the certification status report. GE provides basic specific fuel consumption data for individual engine models on request, please address your question to Marketing Department.
B12 - What is the reliability of the GE M601 engine?
GE a.s. is certified aircraft engine manufacturer. The reliability of the GE M601 engine is carefully documented. Reliability data for the M601 engines are comparable with that of other turboprops engine manufacturers of the same power ranges. For updated statistical data please ask Marketing Department.
B13 - I am planning to purchase an M601 from an individual, what should I look for before purchasing the engine?
If engine is older than five years from overhaul, it has to have had a calendar extension to continue to be maintained and recognized by GE. GE will not support an engine of 2000 TBO beyond the tbo limitations either hourly or by calendar. We recommend you to ask for the Certification Status where you receive basic information about the engine. You need to examine the engine logbook to determine the hours and cycles to TBO along with the calendar life. If the engine is installed in an airplane you should ask for a demonstration run to verify engine performance. As a final step in you decision process you may wish to ask GE to check the status of the engine through factory records. For this you should contact Marketing Department with engine serial number.
B14 - Can my A&P Mechanic perform the 300-hour inspections required by the Maintenance Manual?
To assure properly perform the 300-hour inspections your mechanic should have attended the GE training.
B15 - Can I burn Diesel Fuel in my GE M601 Engine?
No, diesel fuel is not approved for the M601 engines. Use of a un-recommended fuels may cause serious damages to the Fuel Control Unit seals which could result in fuel control problems and loss of power in-flight.
B16 - What is the cost of operation of the GE M601?
Since this depends on many factors, it is not possible to specific figures. Basically the economy is depending on costs of maintenance, costs of fuel and other additional costs like insurance. Routine Maintenance costs are very low due to the very low maintenance requirements. Depending on specific engine model, fuel consumption is comparable with the other turboprop engines in the same power class.