Bombardier has selected the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150 to power the recently launched de Havilland Dash 8-400. The PW150 is a growth version of the PW100-series turboprop, and is rated at 4,800-5,600kW. The engine will be de-rated to 3,670kW for the Dash 8-400, however.
P&WC is now talking to potential partners about joining it in the development of the PW150. According to P&WC, the PW150 includes a three-stage axial low-pressure compressor, increased turbine cooling and a high-power, low-speed reduction gearbox. It is expected that the first engine will be run in mid-1996, with certification planned for mid-1998. The PW150 is also being offered to power the proposed ATR 82.
The second member of P&WC's PW500 family of small turbo-fans, has been undergoing flight tests, on the engine manufacturer's Boeing 720 testbed. The 17kN PW545A is scheduled to power the Cessna Citation Excel on its first flight in March 1996, and certification is expected in December 1996.
The Citation Bravo prototype had its first flight in April, powered by PW530As rated at 12kN thrust.
Earlier this year, the PW530 passed a bird-strike test after failing the first in mid-1994. The successful test was staged after the engine's titanium integrally bladed rotor fan was re-designed with thicker blade profiles.
P&WC will supply PT6A-68 turboprop engines rated at 930kW for Raytheon Aircraft's Beech MkII trainer, recently selected as the US Joint Primary Aircraft Training System with an order for up to 711 aircraft.
Source: Flight International
