China's Shaanxi Aircraft expects its Y-8F600 civil freighter to make its first flight this year and enter service in early 2006. Late last year the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150B turboprop was formally selected to power the new Y-8 variant. Smiths Aerospace unit Dowty Propellers has been awarded a contract to provide a six-bladed, all-composite propeller system with a 4m (13.5ft) diameter. Dowty expects more than 120 aircraft will be delivered in the 20 years after certification.
Source: Flight International
