Thu, Oct 05, 2017
Will Power Leonardo AW609 Tiltrotor
Transport Canada has certified the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67A helicopter engine which powers the AW609, an aircraft that flies both horizontally and vertically. FAA validation of the PT6C-67A engine is expected by the end of 2017 and supports FAA certification of the AW609 in 2018 as the first commercial tiltrotor to enter operation.
"We were presented with a special challenge by Leonardo Helicopters - design an engine to power an aircraft that takes off and lands vertically, and flies horizontally well above adverse weather conditions at twice the speed and range of a helicopter," says Irene Makris, Vice President, Marketing, P&WC. "The PT6C-67A eloquently answers that challenge with 2,000 shp output that provides exceptional power to weight ratio, and durability."
The PT6C-67A benefits from the reliability of the PT6 engine family. It has a new compressor with advanced aerodynamics and the engine's new turbines are made with state-of-the-art materials. Together, the new compressor and turbine enable increased power and reduced fuel consumption. The engine has also been certified to allow for continuous operation in a vertical position.
"Enabling the speed and performance characteristics of the AW609, the PT6C-67A certification now drives tiltrotor development forward towards the future of aircraft transport," said Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director, Leonardo Helicopters. "This certification represents a milestone within the program that will allow us to certify the aircraft by the end of 2018 and remain on schedule with initial customer deliveries."
(Image provided with P&WC news release)
More News
Chaff Thin, narrow metallic reflectors of various lengths and frequency responses, used to reflect radar energy. These reflectors, when dropped from aircraft and allowed to drift d>[...]
“Today, XB-1 took flight in the same hallowed airspace where the Bell X-1 first broke the sound barrier in 1947. I’ve been looking forward to this flight since founding>[...]
“Teaming up with the EAA and Berlin Express for this event in Cincinnati will give warbird fans a unique opportunity to see the aircraft that helped defend freedom and gave t>[...]
Hazardous Weather Information Summary of significant meteorological information (SIGMET/WS), convective significant meteorological information (convective SIGMET/WST), urgent pilot>[...]
Aero Linx: The Nebraska Aeronautics Commission The Nebraska Aeronautics Commission was created by the 1935 Legislature to oversee the development of aviation in the state. The Comm>[...]