GE Canada and StandardAero are to jointly develop a new $50m aircraft engine research and technology development centre in Winnipeg, Canada.

The new centre will develop advanced testing methodologies and equipment for GE Aviation’s commercial and military aircraft engines.

The facility will include test cell capabilities for engines of 150in in diameter and of 150,000lb of thrust, as well as capabilities to accommodate high-performance military engines.

It will be equipped with a large wind generator for crosswind, ingestion and icing certification testing.

The new centre, which will open at the end of 2011, will be built on land leased from the Winnipeg Airport Authority and operated by StandardAero.