Meet P&WC’s Growing PT6E Family at EBACE

Given Daher’s close relationship with Pratt & Whitney Canada over the last three decades, it should come as little surprise that the world-leading turboprop engine OEM was chosen to power the new TBM 960 single-engine turboprop, announced at last month’s Sun ‘n Fun Expo in Lakeland, Florida.

In doing so, Pratt & Whitney Canada expands its PT6 E-Series engine family with the introduction of the new, purpose-built PT6E-66XT powerplant.

When the PT6 E-Series was launched back in 2019 [Pilatus being the launch customer for its new PC-12 NGX model] the PT6E-67XP became the first turboprop engine in General Aviation to offer a dual-channel integrated electronic propeller and engine control system, which the company claimed at the time pushed innovation to a new level.

Now, “The introduction of the PT6E-66XT engine reaffirms our continued commitment to innovation and our desire to proactively bring solutions to our customers,” said Nicholas Kanellias, Vice President, General Aviation, Pratt & Whitney Canada.

“The PT6E-66XT engine, driven by more than 100 digital data inputs, offers the optimal combination of precision, performance and efficiency for an elevated and simplified flying experience.”

Simplified Flying

According to both Pratt & Whitney Canada and Daher, the PT6E-66XT engine offers an enhanced, easier pilot experience.

“With its PT6E-66XT version, the Pratt & Whitney Canada team has [provided] digital power to our TBM 960..., making it even easier to operate,” said Nicolas Chabbert, Senior Vice President of Daher’s Aircraft Division.

The digitally enabled single lever simplifies engine operation, allowing for true precision-controlled auto-throttle, supporting a more intuitive way of flying, from engine start to propeller and engine control, which ultimately reduces operation and pilot workload.

The engine control system is designed to provide a consistent start every time. It constantly reviews and processes all the engine (as well as many aircraft) parameters, making fine adjustments to fuel flow and propeller blade angle to deliver optimal power and efficiency during all phases of flight.

And with the digital intelligence behind the PT6E-66XT engine optimizing engine power, speed and fuel burn, operators can expect to see savings in both fuel costs and, ultimately, carbon emissions.

“Operated at Daher’s recommended cruise setting of 308kts, TBM 960 operators will see a 10% fuel economy increase compared to maximum cruise setting, for more sustainable operations,” a Pratt & Whitney Canada spokesperson told AvBuyer.

Ultimately, the intelligence behind the control system uses the data to deliver precise, constant engine performance at every altitude and every temperature on each flight.

Other benefits include increased engine take-off and climb power (+45 SHP mechanical horsepower) and increased thermodynamic power (up to 4% at International Standard Atmosphere conditions).

Data Collection & Transmission

The PT6E-66XT is also digitally connected through its Data Collection and Transmission Unit (DCTU), making full-flight engine data accessible on multiple platforms, including mobile devices. Once the aircraft lands, engine flight data can be wirelessly downloaded, providing operators and maintainers with insights into engine performance and health.

The overall goal of the PT6E-66XT engine’s improved design features and digital capabilities is to increase the availability of the aircraft to owners and operators.

The electronic control system removes hardware from the engine, resulting in a combined 40% reduction in scheduled maintenance – and TBO intervals have subsequently been increased from 3,500 to 5,000 hours.

The Future of the PT6 E-Series?

Asked where next for the PT6 E Series engine family, Pratt & Whitney Canada says that will ultimately be led by its customers.

“We will continue to listen to our customers’ needs and monitor engine trends, while investing in the development and application of new technology,” the company spokesperson said.

“We’re proud to have launched the second PT6E engine model of our PT6 E-Series engine family. The depth of P&WC’s experience in the industry combined with the flexibility of the PT6 engine architecture enables us to bring our customers the technology and services they need, when they need it.”

More information from www.pwc.ca