Texas Turbine Conversions has begun test flying an AlliedSignal TPE331-10 turboprop-converted de Havilland Otter, for which it hopes to win a supplemental type certificate by the end of the year.
The 670kW (900hp) engine will replace the Otter's current 450kW Pratt & Whitney R-1340 radial piston engine, offering a 220kW increase in power and a 180kg (400lb) increase in the aircraft's useful load. The TPE331-10 also delivers improved climb performance of 1,600ft/min (8m/s) at 3,630kg. "The full-feathering, four blade propeller from Hartzell gives the Texas Turbine Otter an edge in take-off performance and landing by allowing it to stop in a shorter distance," says the Dectaur, Texas-based company.
Texas claims that the $175,000 price tag for the conversion (excluding the engine) will be offset by the aircraft's improved payload and fuel consumption and the reduction in time between overhauls from 1,200h to 5,400h.
Source: Flight International
