The Solar T62-32 gas turbine is a compact turbine powerplant with an unusual history spanning military ground-power equipment and experimental helicopter applications. One of its best-known military installations is the MEP-404B 60 kW generator set, where the Solar turbine serves as the prime mover for a 400 Hz, three-phase generator.
Solar T62-32 Gas Turbine – Actual Startup and Running Demonstration
Surplus T62-series engines later attracted experimental-aircraft and helicopter builders because of their compact size, high power-to-weight ratio and availability from military generator systems. Today, the T62-32 remains of particular interest to Helicycle, RotorWay/JetExec and other experimental turbine enthusiasts.
More Solar T62-32 and MEP-404B Operating Videos
Additional MEP-404B and Solar T62 turbine videos from our YouTube collection. These earlier recordings supplement the recent startup demonstration above.
MEP-404B / Solar T62 Operating Video 1
MEP-404B / Solar T62 Operating Video 2
MEP-404B / Solar T62 Operating Video 3
Interested in a currently available unit? View our tested Solar T62-32 / MEP-404B generator for $19,500.
Documented Solar T62-32 Helicopter Applications
Independent aviation sources document the T62 family in experimental helicopter applications. Helicycle’s published specifications describe a modified Solar T62 turbine derated for the aircraft, while Helicycle Ventures identifies a modified T62-T32 powerplant. A National Transportation Safety Board report (ERA14FA461) identifies a Solar T-62-32 engine in an experimental Helicycle. These sources establish the engine family’s historical applications; they do not establish that the surplus turbine offered here is modified, approved or airworthy for helicopter installation.
Solar T62-32 Turbine Questions
Is the Solar T62-32 the same as the T62T-32?
The designations Solar T62-32, T62T-32, T62-T32 and T62T-32A are often encountered in turbine discussions and surplus listings. Check the engine identification plate and technical documentation to establish the exact model and installed configuration.
Can a T62-32 be purchased in a complete running generator?
Yes. A complete MEP-404B generator may retain the original turbine, fuel and control systems. Our tested Solar T62-32 generator listing includes the turbine in its original equipment.
Is a surplus T62-32 certified for helicopter use?
No aviation certification or airworthiness is represented for the military-surplus generator turbine offered here. Experimental aircraft use requires independent engineering evaluation and compliance with applicable requirements.
Solar T62-32 Gas Turbine Specifications
The T62 family was developed by Solar Aircraft Company, later Solar Turbines. Published references identify the T62-32 as a military ground-power-unit turbine rated at approximately 150 shaft horsepower (110 kW) at 61,250 RPM.
- Model: Solar T62-32
- Type: Single-shaft gas turbine / turboshaft
- Rated output: Approximately 150 shaft horsepower
- Turbine speed: Approximately 61,250 RPM
- Compressor: Single-stage centrifugal
- Turbine: Radial-inflow design
- Reduction gearbox output: Approximately 6,000 RPM in generator applications
- Original role: Military ground-power and generator applications
How the Solar T62-32 Works
The T62 uses a centrifugal compressor and radial turbine on a high-speed shaft. Air entering the engine is compressed, mixed with fuel and burned in the combustor. Expanding gases drive the turbine, which powers both the compressor and the output through a reduction gearbox. In generator installations, the reduction gearbox converts the turbine’s very high rotational speed into a practical output speed for the generator.
Solar T62-32 in the MEP-404B Generator
The U.S. military MEP-404B is a transportable, skid-mounted gas-turbine generator set rated at 60 kW, 400 Hz, three phase. Military supply data identifies the Solar T62-32 as the MEP-404B’s prime mover.
In simplified form, the powertrain is:
Solar T62-32 → reduction gearbox → 60 kW generator
This original installation is particularly useful to turbine buyers because a complete generator set can provide the starting, fuel, control and instrumentation systems needed to demonstrate the turbine before it is removed from its original equipment.
Why MEP-404B Generators Are a Source for T62-32 Turbines
Many T62 engines entered the experimental market after being removed from surplus military generator sets. Helicycle’s own historical material describes generator sets arriving for its turbine program and explains that the original heavy generator gear cases were replaced with lighter components for helicopter use.
A complete and operating MEP-404B therefore offers something a loose turbine cannot: the opportunity to document startup and operation in the engine’s original military system before any conversion or modification.
View our tested Solar T62-32 / MEP-404B generator currently for sale.
Solar T62-32 in the Helicycle
The Helicycle is one of the best-known experimental helicopter applications for the Solar T62 family. Helicycle documentation identifies a modified T62-T32 turbine as its powerplant, with the engine derated for the helicopter installation. Helicycle’s historical development information also describes why the Solar turbine was selected and how surplus generator sets became a source of engines for the program.
The important distinction is that a turbine modified for an experimental helicopter is not the same configuration as an untouched generator-set engine. Gearbox, governing, installation and other systems may be changed for the aircraft application.
T62-32 Turbines in RotorWay and Other Experimental Helicopters
Solar T62-series engines have also appeared in experimental RotorWay turbine conversions and other homebuilt helicopter projects. This history has created a specialized secondary market for T62 engines, parts and complete generator systems among builders, owners and turbine enthusiasts.
Anyone considering an aviation conversion should evaluate the exact engine model and configuration rather than assuming all T62 variants are interchangeable.
Solar T62-32 Technical Manuals and Governor Information
Original Solar T62 technical documentation covers the fuel-control assembly, governor-valve operation, magnetic speed pickup, pre-run inspection and controlled test procedures. The T-62T-32 overhaul manual (T.O. 2G-T62T-13) includes a fuel-control calibration and test procedure in Section XI, while the maintenance manual (T.O. 2G-T62T-16) addresses magnetic pickup adjustment and post-maintenance test procedures.
These manuals are useful references for understanding how turbine speed is measured and controlled. They are not a substitute for qualified turbine maintenance, and overhaul or overspeed test procedures should not be attempted outside their specified controlled conditions.
Solar T62-32 vs. T62T-32: Engine Designations
Listings and historical documentation use several closely related designations, including Solar T62-32, T62T-32, T62-T32 and T62T-32A. When evaluating a particular engine, buyers should confirm the identification plate, part numbers, gearbox and fuel-control configuration rather than assuming that every designation represents an identical installation.
Solar T62-32 Buyer Checklist
- Photograph the engine identification plate and serial number.
- Record turbine and generator hour-meter readings separately, along with the event count.
- Request maintenance and storage history, if available.
- Ask for a recent startup and operating video showing engine instruments.
- Confirm the included gearbox, fuel-control components, accessories and generator equipment.
- Clarify whether the engine is sold installed in its original generator or removed as a loose turbine.
- Evaluate aviation suitability independently if considering an experimental aircraft project.
What to Check When Buying a Used Solar T62-32
Condition and documentation matter significantly when evaluating a surplus turbine. Useful information includes the engine data plate and serial number, indicated turbine hours, event or start count, storage history, lubrication condition and evidence of recent operation.
A continuous startup and operating video can be particularly valuable. When possible, buyers should document startup behavior, acceleration, oil pressure, exhaust temperature, governed operation and shutdown. Indicated hour-meter readings should be described as indicated unless maintenance records independently establish total time.
Solar T62-32 Currently Available
Police and Tactical Supply currently offers a tested and running Solar T62-32 installed in a complete MEP-404B 60 kW military generator set. The turbine meter shows 47 indicated hours and 442 events, while the generator elapsed-time meter shows 362 indicated hours. Meter readings are reported as indicated by the installed equipment and have not been independently verified against historical maintenance records.
The complete generator set is currently offered for $19,500.
See the Solar T62-32 turbine / MEP-404B generator for sale.
Important Experimental Aircraft and Airworthiness Considerations
Military generator turbines and experimental-aircraft turbine installations are different applications. Discussion of Helicycle, RotorWay/JetExec and other experimental uses is provided for historical and informational purposes.
Police and Tactical Supply makes no representation or warranty regarding the airworthiness, certification, suitability, installation, modification or approval of any surplus turbine for use in an aircraft. Any aviation application is the responsibility of the purchaser and must comply with applicable requirements.
Solar T62-32: Military Generator Heritage and Experimental Interest
The Solar T62-32 occupies an unusual niche: it is both the prime mover of a specialized military generator and a turbine with a long history of interest in experimental aviation. For buyers researching a Solar T62-32 gas turbine, understanding its original MEP-404B installation provides valuable context for evaluating engines that later appear on the surplus and experimental markets.