April 2015 African Pilot 51THE HONEYWELL OPTION
Whilst perhaps not as well-known as the P&W engine, the TPE331 has
a remarkable pedigree of its own. Developed and fi rst manufactured by
Garrett AiResearch, the TPE331 family dates back to the late 1950s,
when it was developed from scratch for military helicopters. Over the
years there have been more than 12,000 TPE331 engines built and
they have amassed more than 70 million hours of operation within
more than 75 applications, with 18 engine models and more than 100
confi gurations. Shortly after its introduction, the engine was put to work
powering a number of popular turboprop twins, including Swearingen
Metros/Merlins, Aero Commanders and Piper Cheyennes amongst
many others. Over the years the engine has been constantly improved
and one of the latest versions provides the motive force for the Predator
B unmanned aerial vehicles. In addition to its high power output, chief
selling points of the engine include its quick responsiveness and high
TBOs (7 000 hours).
CESSNA SUPERVANEach engine conversion consists of the following major components:
Removal of existing P&W Pt6 engine and components, including the
existing engine mount, all superseded electrical wiring associated with
the aircraft electrical system, engine control and engine instrumentation
as well as the removal of the existing start panel in the fl ight deck.
Installation of all structural modifi cations associated with theSupervan
900 modifi cation STC including the new engine mount, new engine fl uid