Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) is starting work on a full-scale demonstrator of its next-generation general aviation turbofan, now called the PW600F, and plans to run the first full-up engine in the fourth quarter of 2001.
The demonstrator core will provide the basis for a new family of turbofans and turboprops which will replace the company's current JT15D and smaller PT6 versions, as well as open up new territory in the smaller, 1,000lb (4.45kN)-thrust bracket.
The programme is expected to produce three main turbofan versions in the 1,000-1,200lb, 1,500-1,800lb and 2,200-2,500lb thrust brackets, as well as a PW600Pturboprop family covering the 370-1500kW (500-2,000shp) range. The initial application is expected to be aimed at the 450-670kW bracket.
The programme is based on two main cores, one scaled up from the other. The larger core, supporting the 2,200-2,500lb thrust PW600F, will run first and is expected to make its first flight as a complete engine on P&WC's Boeing 720 testbed in the second quarter of 2002. Rig testing on some critical PW600 components has already been completed.
Although no specific launch applications have been identified, president Gilles Ouimet says: "We are discussing it with several potential users, some of them more unconventional than others. We are hopeful of launching this as a full development programme later this year with at least one of them."
• Ontario, Canada-based T-G Aviation has completed the first flight test phase of its Super Cheyenne conversion for Piper Cheyenne I and IIs, using P&WC PT6A-135A turboprops.
T-G says the re-engined Super Cheyenne II has a cruise speed of more than 290kt (540km/h plus a climb rate of 5,000ft/min (25m/s) at lower altitude. The company says fuel efficiency is also 6% better in tests to date. The PT6A-135 has a 3,600h time between overhaul.
Source: Flight International
