PW127XT-L engine certified in key milestone for ATR’s STOL programme
Regional aircraft manufacturer ATR and Pratt & Whitney Canada have announced the certification of the PW127XT-L engine by Transport Canada.
This engine variant offers increased performance to match the requirements of ATR’s future short take-off and landing (STOL) version, the ATR 42 600S.
The announcement was made on the occasion of the European Regions Airline Association General Assembly.
Daniel Cuchet, senior vice president engineering at ATR, said: “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.
“The PW127XT-L offers the same turbomachinery as the existing PW127XT M, and the Engine Electronic Control has been adapted to offer better versatility and increased performance.”
The ATR 42-600S will reduce take-off and landing distances to just 800 meters in standard flight conditions.
It will be able to access 1,000 airports globally with short runways, providing local populations with a quicker, more comfortable and low-emission access to the global economy, healthcare, education and culture.
ATR says it will also create new business opportunities for airlines.
Edward Hoskin, vice president of engineering at Pratt & Whitney Canada, said: “The PW127XT L marks the 200th engine type certification achieved by Pratt & Whitney Canada, and delivers the 20 per cent lower maintenance costs, 40 per cent improved time on wing, and three per cent better fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions, which characterise the PW127XT engine series.”
Cuchet adds: “This great achievement comes as a reward after many months of hard work and constant collaboration between the ATR and Pratt & Whitney Canada teams.”
ATR says validation of the engine modification by EASA is scheduled before the end of the year, and the integration of the modified engine with the other aircraft systems will become ATR’s main focus moving forward, which it is targeting for an entry into service in 2025.
ATR says it has already received over 20 commitments for the ATR 42-600S and sees a lot of potential for this aircraft variant in several regions of the globe, including Europe with Portugal, Greece, Iceland, Italy and Norway as key areas of interest.
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