Pratt & Whitney Canada is celebrating its 200th engine type certification since the introduction of the PT6 engine in 1963, following the successful certification of the PW127XT-L regional turboprop engine by Transport Canada Civil Aviation.
The PW127XT-L is set to power the ATR 42-600S regional turboprop. As well as bringing 40% more time on wing, a 20% reduction in maintenance costs and a 3% improvement in fuel efficiency, the engine will provide a higher thrust rating to enable the aircraft to take off from runways as short as 800 metres.
“Achieving 200 engine type certifications within a 60-year period is truly a singular accomplishment in the world of aviation,” said Irene Makris, Vice President for Customer Service at Pratt & Whitney Canada. “This milestone is a testament to the dedication, devotion and technical acumen of generations of Pratt & Whitney Canada employees, as we look forward to many more engine certifications in the decades ahead.”
“This certification is a significant milestone for the ATR 42-600S programme, as modifications to the engines are part of the major technical changes we are bringing to the aircraft – in addition to the rudder and avionics – with a huge influence on take-off performance,” said Daniel Cuchet, Senior Vice-President of Engineering, ATR. “This great achievement comes as a reward after many months of hard work and constant collaboration between the ATR and Pratt & Whitney Canada teams.”
Image: Pratt & Whitney Canada