The Decline of the TFE731-3 Turbine Engine

Innovative, reliable, and long-lasting, these are only a few of the words that can describe the TFE731 turbine engine.

And yet within this family of turbine engines, not all were created equal. Over recent years, the TFE731-3 model has seen an unfortunate fall from glory and an overall decline in usage among planes.

So, what caused this turbine engine’s decline in usage and drop in popularity?

The answer becomes obvious and by taking a closer look at this sub-model, we can assess how the TFE731-3 accumulated such a devoted following and what has changed to make others turn their back on this once revered turbine engine.

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A Brief History of the TFE731

The Garrett TFE731, ultimately becoming the Honeywell TFE731 due to mergers and acquisitions, was released over 40 years ago! 1972 to be exact.

When it arrived in the aerospace industry, many were impressed due to the turbine engine’s reliability, fuel-efficiency, and noise reduction. In fact, 3 years after being released, the TFE731 turbine engine was already winning major awards.

This amazing piece of engineering has gone on to serve in over 30 different aircraft, equaling over 100 million hours of operation, and accounting for over 13,000 units being produced, but the TFE731 wasn’t done just yet.

In addition to serving as a top-tier aircraft turbine engine, the TFE731 has gone on to serve in other applications including:

• Fire suppression systems.
• Ground auxiliary power units.
• Military service, as they have been retrofitted for aircraft such as the L-39 Albatros.

The TFE731 made an impressive and immediate impact on aircraft all around the globe.

Planes That Have Utilized the TFE731-3

Utilizing its tremendous features, the owners of various aircraft models were eager to implement the power and trustworthiness of the TFE731-3 in their own planes.

A few of the aircraft models that have used the TFE731-3 turbine engine sub-model are as follows:

Turbine Engine: Aircraft Model:

TFE731-3-1C	FALCON 50
TFE731-3-1E	731 JETSTAR/L1329
TFE731-3-1F	JETSTAR II/L1329
TFE731-3-1G	WESTWIND 1124
TFE731-3-1H	BAe HS125
TFE731-3-1K	JETSTAR II/L1329
TFE731-3A-2B	LEARJET 55
TFE731-3A-2B1	LEARJET 55
TFE731-3A-200G	IAI ASTRA 1125
TFE731-3AR-200G	IAI ASTRA 1125
TFE731-3AR-2B	LEARJET 55
TFE731-3AR-2B1	LEARJET 55
TFE731-3AR-2B2	LEARJET 55
TFE731-3AR-3B	LEARJET 55
TFE731-3AR-3B1	LEARJET 55
TFE731-3AR-3B2	LEARJET 55
TFE731-3B-100S	CITATION III/CITATION VI
TFE731-3BR-100S	CITATION III/CITATION VI
TFE731-3C-100S	CITATION III/CITATION VI
TFE731-3C-200G	IAI ASTRA 1125
TFE731-3C-3B	LEARJET 55
TFE731-3C-3B1	LEARJET 55
TFE731-3CR-100S	CITATION III/CITATION VI
TFE731-3CR-200G	IAI ASTRA 1125
TFE731-3CR-3B	LEARJET 55
TFE731-3CR-3B1	LEARJET 55
TFE731-3CR-3B2	LEARJET 55
TFE731-3D-1C	FALCON 50
TFE731-3D-1G	WESTWIND 1124
TFE731-3D-1H	BAe HS125
TFE731-3D-1K	JETSTAR II/L1329
TFE731-3DR-1D	SABRELINER 65/65A
TFE731-3DR-1G	WESTWIND 1124
TFE731-3DR-1H	BAe HS125
TFE731-3R-1D	SABRELINER 65/65A
TFE731-3R-1G	WESTWIND 1124
TFE731-3R-1H	BAe HS125

As we can see, the use of the TFE731-3 has been used far and wide in countries around the world, and while commercial use of this engine has stalled, many private aircraft owners still rely on this engineering marvel today.

TFE731-3 Specifications and Features

Bolstering features that still impress aviators near and far, the TFE731-3 possesses abilities that have created and maintained its distinguished reputation:

• Weight of around 755lbs (weight may vary depending on the exact sub-model variation being used).
• A takeoff thrust of 3700 lbs (sea level).
• The capacity to operate with far fewer moving parts than its competitors. This results in lower costs associated with maintenance and repair.

Beyond these wonderful features are a host of specifications that make them all possible:

General characteristics
Type: Turbofan engine
Length: 50 in (130 cm)
Diameter: 39.4 in (100 cm)
Dry weight: 734 lb (333 kg)

Components
Compressor: 1 stage fan, 1.8:1 gearbox,
4 axial LP stages, 1 centrifugal HP stage
Combustors: Annular
Turbine: 1 stage HP turbine, 3 stage LP turbine

Performance
Maximum thrust: 3,500 lbf (16 kN)
Overall pressure ratio: 13:1
Bypass ratio: 2.8:1
Fuel consumption: 875 lb/h (397 kg/h)[7]
Specific fuel consumption: 0.495 lb/lbf/h (0.0140 kg/kN/s)
Thrust-to-weight ratio: 4.7

The TFE731-3 is a marvelous turbine engine that is still flown today, but technological advances have given way to stiffer competition and higher peaks of innovation.

Reasons for the Decline

There is no question that in its prime, the TFE731-3 was an elite turbine engine; however, as time has moved forward, the TFE731-3 has stood still.

Even with the advances and upgrades, this turbine engine brings to the table, technology has come a long way from the 1970s.

So, what caused the downfall of the TFE731-3?:

• Most of these engines and the aircraft that utilized them were created in the 1980s. With 2020 about to knock on our doors, it is clear to see that new engines have been developed and surpassed these aging specs.
• Out of 5,663 aircraft produced with TFE731 engines, 593 have been sold for parts as of August 2018, over 10%.
• Of those 593, 4 of the top 5 in attrition have been -3 powered, approx. 271 aircraft
• With the advances of modern technology and increasing costs of maintenance and preservation, many aging fleets are being replaced instead of repaired.
• Additionally, while the TFE731-3 engines were more fuel-efficient and quieter than earlier engines, newer engines now are more efficient, thus surpassing their once industry-leading technology.

However, the decline of popularity in primarily commercial use has not diminished this turbine’s ability to fly aircraft with pertinence and integrity. In fact, due to the further innovations that were placed on the various “-3” sub-models, the TFE731 did evolve and become more efficient, more powerful, and more reliable with these subsequent models.

Many aircraft using the TFE731-3 are still in use today by private aviators and have a unique place in the aerospace market.

Maintaining and Shopping for Turbine Engine Parts

Although maintenance can be costly for some, TFE731-3 engines can present a unique, affordable opportunity for aviators looking for a quality turbine engine at a reasonable cost.

Caring for your TFE731-3 doesn’t have to be a hassle or incredibly expensive and the experts at AMI (Aviation & Marketing International) understand the needs of your TFE731-3 turbine engine at an elite level.

We pride ourselves on buying and selling the best kept and sourced turbine engine parts all while focusing exclusively on the TFE731 turbine engine. Our technicians and mechanics have the technology and knowledge to provide your TFE731-3 turbine engine parts with industry-leading care.

Are you looking for a part or have an issue others can’t seem to solve?

Not a problem for AMI, we specialize in sourcing turbine engine parts others lack and have an inventory and a number of experienced staff to handle any requests involving inspecting, maintaining and fixing your turbine engine.

Contact us today and have your aircraft flying safely and reliably through meticulous craftsmanship and superlative service.