Polish aircraft manufacturer PZL-Okecie has begun test flights of a new variant of its PZL-106 Kruk agricultural aircraft, powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34AG turboprop engine.
According to the company, the modified aircraft is aimed at the export market, with particular emphasis of sales to South America, which has become a significant export region for the aircraft in the version powered by the Czech-built Walter M601D turboprop.
The manufacturer has nevertheless found that the Canadian engine offers easier maintenance and better spare parts availability. It believes that the modifications will make the aircraft more attractive to new customers.
Okecie has also redesigned the Kruk's engine cowling for reduced drag and increased propeller efficiency, as well as modifying the cockpit layout with a new instrument panel. According to the manufacturer, the aircraft has also been fitted with an improved electrical system.
The new variant - the 254th Kruk produced to date - flew for the first time in mid-August and has been in intensive flight testing since then, aiming towards Polish certification by the end of this year. The company says that it should be able to achieve quick certification since it is simply a modification of an operational aircraft.
The Kruk first flew in its PZL-3SR rotary engine-powered version in 1973, although no piston-engined versions have been sold since about 1990. It is mainly in service in Africa, Argentina, the Middle East and the USA.
Source: Flight International
