Aircraft Will Fly EMS Missions In China

The 25 new AW119Kx helicopters ordered by Sino-US will be powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6B-37A turboshaft engine. The helicopters will be operated by Kingwing General Aviation Co. Ltd (Kingwing), a prime helicopter operator in China, which has established a dedicated emergency medical services (EMS) project entitled China Helicopter Air Ambulance supporting the Chinese EMS sector. The contract between Finmeccanica and Sino-US is part of a framework agreement for 60 AW119Kx aircraft to be acquired through to 2017.

"The selection of the PT6B-37A-powered AW119 helicopters speaks to P&WC's quality, reliability and seamless customer service experience," said Irene Makris, Vice President, Marketing, P&WC. "We are thrilled and honoured to be a key part of supporting Finmeccanica, Sino-US and the operator Kingwing - in the business of EMS missions, responding to emergencies and saving lives."

The PT6B-37A engine is based on the highly successful PT6T-3D Twin-Pac engine, which shares the same turbomachine and builds upon the proven PT6 turboshaft in-service experience. Time between overhaul of the turbomachine was recently increased from 3,000 hours to 4,500 hours, a reflection of the demonstrated durability and reliability of the PT6B-37A. This engine is equipped with an electronic engine control system which provides rotor governing under all conditions.

The PT6 turboshaft engine family powers more helicopters than any other engine in its power class. There are more than 5,100 PT6 turboshaft engines currently flying in 115 countries around the world, which have accumulated over 46 million flying hours. The PT6 family has amassed more than 416 million flying hours in total.

(Image provided with PWC news release)

FMI: www.pwc.ca