ATR and Pratt & Whitney Canada announced reaching a milestone for the STOL program after the certification of the PW127XT-L engine by Transport Canada during the European Regions Airline Association General Assembly.
The newly modified PW127XT-L engine delivers increased performance to justify the requirements of ATR 42-600S, ATR’s future short take-off and landing version.
Edward Hoskin, Pratt & Whitney Canada’s Vice President, Engineering said, “The PW127XT-L marks the 200th engine type certification achieved by Pratt & Whitney Canada, and delivers the 20% lower maintenance costs, 40% improved time on the wing, and 3% better fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions, which characterize the PW127XT engine series.”
The EASA scheduled engine modification validation by the end of 2023. Adapting the redesigned engine with other aircraft systems will become ATR’s priority while moving ahead, aiming to enter services by 2025.
Daniel Cuchet, ATR’s SVP of Engineering said, “This certification is a significant milestone for the ATR 42-600S program, as modifications to the engines are part of the major technical changes we are bringing to the aircraft, in addition to the rudder and avionics, with a huge influence on take-off performance. The PW127XT-L offers the same turbomachinery as the existing PW127XT-M and the Engine Electronic Control has been adapted to offer better versatility and increased performance. This great achievement is rewarded after many months of hard work and constant collaboration between the ATR and Pratt & Whitney Canada teams.”
During standard flight situations, the ATR 42-600S narrows the take-off and landing distances by 800 meters, enabling its access to 1,000 airports globally with short runways, providing locals with enhanced, comforting, and lesser emission access to the economy, healthcare, education and culture inculcating business opportunities for airlines globally.