Ontario-based Orenda plans to decide on the development of a proposed V-6 piston engine by the end of September.
"The V-6 programme hasn't been given the green light yet, but all the indications are that we will go forward with it," says Orenda sales and marketing manager Derek Parker.
If launched, the V-6 project is expected to lead to the development of a range of piston engines rated at 315-357kW (420-480hp). The resulting OE400 family will be based on the liquid-cooled, eight-cylinder V-8 OE600 series that received Transport Canada time between overhaul approval for 1,500h at the end of July. If the new engine goes ahead, Orenda believes that it will be available in late 2001.
Like the OE600 series, the smaller engine is likely to be offered in turbocharged and normally aspirated versions. The company is also studying a larger V-8 engine which would be rated at around 560kW.
Source: Flight International
