The Solar T62T-32A 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.
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 T62T-32A remains of particular interest to Helicycle, RotorWay/JetExec and other experimental turbine enthusiasts.
Solar T62T-32A Gas Turbine Specifications
The T62 family was developed by Solar Aircraft Company, later Solar Turbines. Published references identify the T62T-32A as a military ground-power-unit turbine rated at approximately 150 shaft horsepower (110 kW) at 61,250 RPM.
- Model: Solar T62T-32A
- 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 T62T-32A 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 T62T-32A 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 T62T-32A as the MEP-404B’s prime mover.
In simplified form, the powertrain is:
Solar T62T-32A → 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 T62T-32A 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 T62T-32A / MEP-404B generator currently for sale.
Solar T62T-32A 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.
What to Check When Buying a Used Solar T62T-32A
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 T62T-32A Currently Available
Police and Tactical Supply currently offers a tested and running Solar T62T-32A 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 T62T-32A 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 T62T-32A: Military Generator Heritage and Experimental Interest
The Solar T62T-32A 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 T62T-32A gas turbine, understanding its original MEP-404B installation provides valuable context for evaluating engines that later appear on the surplus and experimental markets.