PAUL LEWIS / WASHINGTON DC
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) has begun studying a smaller variant of the PW200 turboshaft family to power the next generation of light helicopters, while advancing plans to launch development of the growth PW209 derivative. The company is also considering a turboshaft version of the recently launched PW600 turbofan.
The proposed PW205 turboshaft would be in the 450kW (600shp) power range and is aimed at new entry-level machines such as Bell's conceptual JRX replacement for the 206 JetRanger. The engine, if pursued, would enable P&WC to offer a competitor to the Rolls-Royce 250 and a possible Honeywell LT100-based offering for the JRX.
"We're exploring the possibility of coming out with a smaller engine, but it's very preliminary," says Alain Bellemare, P&WC president and chief executive. The priority is to secure a launch platform for the planned 670kW PW209, targeted at large single- and intermediate twin-turbine helicopters. It is a development of the PW207 - which powers the Bell 427 and MD Explorer - and would feature a larger core and material changes for increased temperatures.
"The PW209 is progressing well. We've had some talks with key customers and we're getting ready to launch the programme once we get an application. We're working it as an advanced engineering concept at this stage," says Bellemare.
Possible applications include a re-engined S-76D being considered by Sikorsky, or as an alternative powerplant for the Eurocopter EC145.
Longer term, the company needs to plan for an eventual replacement of the 750-1,650kW PT6 engine family, including the -37/67 turboshaft variants. Cessna's recent selection of the PW600 turbofan to power the Mustang entry-level business aircraft has kickstarted full-scale development. "Clearly we're going to look at the possibility of using the core for a turboshaft," says Bellemare.
Source: Flight International
