New Powerplants Designed For Utility And Ag Markets

Pratt & Whitney Canada has introduced new variants of its PT6A engine ... the PT6A-140 Turboprop and the PT6A-140AG.

“The general aviation segment is key to our business,” says Nick Kanellias, Vice President, Marketing, responsible for General Aviation Programs. “We have continued to innovate and enhance our products and services to ensure that we offer powerful engines, cutting-edge features and unmatched versatility, backed by a proactive, seamless service and support network that puts customers at the heart of everything we do. For operators who want to propel not just their aircraft but also their business, our engines are the choice that makes sense.”

Over 350 PT6A-140 series engines have been produced to date, testifying to their popularity and remarkable record when it comes to performance and operating economics. That includes 15 percent more power and 5 percent better specific fuel consumption. With more than 230,000 flying hours accumulated and a perfect record of reliability, the series is the new benchmark in its class.

Since the PT6A-140AG was originally certified in 2012 to power the Cessna Grand Caravan EX, both of the ag aviation industry’s leading OEMs, Air Tractor and Thrush, have selected the engine for their 500-gallon aircraft. Certified by the Federal Aviation Administration in March, the Air Tractor 502XP agricultural spray plane is already helping to protect crops across the United States. A new version of Thrush’s 510P aircraft, whose certification is expected in 2017, will also be powered by the engine.

What’s more, PT6A-140 series engines have been selected by Blackhawk Modifications Inc., StandardAero and Aircraft Structures International Corp. (ASIC) for their Cessna Caravan conversion and upgrade programs.

Optimized for “hot and high” environments, the PT6A-140A and -140AG engines offer full-load takeoff at maximum power available at 111º F (44º C), effectively helping operators to increase their productivity. The PT6A-140AG engine has 867 mechanical shaft horsepower (SHP) and 1,075 thermal SHP. With no mandatory time requirements for warm-up or cool-down, the engine enables operators to maximize their productivity and efficiency.

The PT6A-140AG is also the easiest engine in the ag segment to access and maintain, thanks to its modular design and externally mounted fuel nozzles. The time between overhauls (TBO) can be extended up to 8,000 hours or 12 years, depending on the operation, and is independent of engine cycles. Simple routine engine inspections can be done while still on-wing, in the field or in the hangar. More time on-wing and a predictable and planned maintenance environment can result in more revenue for operators.

(Source: Pratt & Whitney Canada news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.pwc.ca/en