Deutsche Aircraft and Pratt & Whitney Canada have announced that the PW127XT-S engine has been selected to power the D328eco regional turboprop.
The engine will deliver a significant improvement in operating costs and sustainability, the companies said. The PW127XT-S will be developed according to the D328eco timeline.
‘Best engine option’
“We have worked closely with the D328eco team over a number of years to develop the best engine option for the aircraft,” said Maria Della Posta, president of Pratt & Whitney Canada.
“The PW127XT-S provides airlines 40 per cent more time on wing, a 20 per cent reduction in maintenance costs with only two scheduled events over 10 years, and a 3 per cent improvement in specific fuel consumption. We support Deutsche Aircraft’s vision of building a green aviation company and we’re confident that the PW127XT-S is the ideal match for the D328eco.”
“In addition to the engine selection announced today, Deutsche Aircraft and Pratt & Whitney Canada will collaborate on novel propulsion technologies for next generation, climate friendly, highly efficient regional aircraft,” said Dave Jackson, managing director, Deutsche Aircraft.
“Turboprop technology remains the most efficient and eco-friendly form of regional air transport available in the world. Our two companies recently agreed to cooperate on enabling the PW127XT-S engine powering the D328eco to run on a 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) including hydrogen-based Power-to-Liquid (PtL) fuel.”
Roadmap for implementation
Pratt & Whitney Canada and Deutsche Aircraft have agreed to continue working together to jointly develop a technology roadmap for implementation, test, and verification of Pratt & Whitney Canada’s innovative propulsion technology, within the D328eco programme.
Jackson added: “We seek not only to achieve the maximum CO2 emissions reduction possible, but also look for real operative propulsion efficiency improvements compared to today’s technology. This would mean a reduction in the order of 15 to 25 per cent block energy on a typical regional mission.”
Della Posta said: “It is key that the major airframe and engine OEMs set out ambitious yet realistic timelines and capabilities to use novel propulsion technologies in combination with de-carbonized fuel capabilities. Pratt & Whitney Canada is committed to continuous improvements in the efficiency and sustainability of its products and services, for customers in all market segments.”
