Pratt & Whitney Canada and ATR have announced the certification of the PW127XT-L engine by Transport Canada; the powerplant for the ATR STOL program.
This certification marks a vital development for the ATR 42-600S, a Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft.
With reduced take-off and landing distances, the ATR 42-600S has the potential to increase regional connectivity and improve airport accessibility .
The ATR 42-600S
The ATR 42-600S, an enhanced version of the ATR 42, promises to dramatically reduce take-off and landing distances, achieving a remarkable feat of just 800 meters under standard flight conditions.
What makes this accomplishment even more remarkable is the ATR 42-600S’s ability to access over 1,000 airports worldwide, even those equipped with shorter runways.
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This innovation not only enhances regional connectivity but also provides local populations with swift, comfortable, and environmentally conscious access to vital aspects of life, including the global economy, healthcare, education, and culture.
A Greener Approach to Aviation
Edward Hoskin, Pratt & Whitney Canada’s Vice President of Engineering, spoke about the recent achievement, stating, “The PW127XT-L marks the 200th engine type certification achieved by Pratt & Whitney Canada.”
“This engine variant promises a 20% reduction in maintenance costs, a 40% increase in time-on-wing, and a 3% improvement in fuel efficiency, effectively reducing CO2 emissions. These attributes epitomize the PW127XT engine series.”
This certification is not just a feather in the cap for Pratt & Whitney Canada but also a significant milestone for the ATR 42-600S STOL program.
The engine modifications, in conjunction with other technical enhancements such as the rudder and avionics, play a pivotal role in elevating the aircraft’s take-off performance.
Daniel Cuchet, ATR’s Senior Vice President of Engineering, emphasized, “The PW127XT-L shares the same core turbomachinery as the existing PW127XT-M. The Engine Electronic Control has been skillfully adapted to offer superior versatility and enhanced performance.”
“This accomplishment stands as a testament to the relentless dedication and collaborative efforts of both the ATR and Pratt & Whitney Canada teams, who have worked tirelessly to bring about this transformation.”
A Promising Future
The validation of these engine modifications by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is expected to conclude by the end of the year. With this critical step achieved, ATR’s primary focus will shift toward seamlessly integrating the modified engine with the aircraft’s other systems.
This progressive journey is aimed at achieving an entry into service in 2025, marking an exciting period in the world of aviation.
Already, ATR has secured more than 20 commitments for the ATR 42-600S, reflecting the substantial interest in this aircraft variant across various regions of the globe, especially in Europe. Portugal, Greece, Iceland, Italy, and Norway are poised to be key areas where the ATR 42-600S is expected to make a substantial impact.
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