RTX – Pratt & Whitney Canada and Leonardo obtain first 100% Sustainable Aviation Gas flight with PT6C-67C-powered AW139 helicopter.
Pratt & Whitney Canada and Leonardo introduced the profitable completion of the primary flight for an AW139 helicopter powered by the PT6C-67C engine utilizing 100% Sustainable Aviation Gas (SAF).
The 75-minute flight and floor exams that passed off on November 21 at Leonardo’s facility in Cascina Costa di Samarate, Italy, evaluated engine efficiency at a number of energy variations and demonstrated no important variations within the response to the brand new gasoline in contrast with the usage of Jet A1 gasoline. Pratt & Whitney is an RTX (NYSE: RTX) enterprise.
Maria Della Posta, president, Pratt & Whitney Canada mentioned:
Flights similar to these are instrumental in our efforts to make sure 100% SAF compatibility for our engines.
“That is the primary time a PT6 engine has been flown utilizing 100% SAF, marking this as a big milestone for the unequalled engine collection. Proving the engine’s functionality with drop-in SAF supplies the inspiration for the way forward for the PT6 in sustainable aviation and builds on its legacy of success.”
Making certain compatibility with 100% SAF is a part of Pratt & Whitney’s technique of enabling extra sustainable aviation by the pursuit of smarter applied sciences, cleaner fuels, and greener enterprise practices, supporting the aviation {industry}’s aim of reaching net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
Gian Piero Cutillo, managing director, Leonardo Helicopters mentioned:
The outcomes of this primary demonstration flight are an additional testomony to the excellent design of the AW139, its excessive efficiency, and the superb relationship we’ve with Pratt & Whitney Canada.
“This flight demonstrates one other tangible advantage of probably the most profitable helicopter in its class and supplies a constructive manner ahead to the various operators finishing up missions in all climate situations as they intention for extra bold sustainability targets.”
Pratt & Whitney Canada engines have achieved multiple billion hours of flight throughout all the fleet because the introduction of the PT6 in 1963. Practically 3,000 PT6C engines have been manufactured by Pratt & Whitney Canada and the engine has contributed greater than 8.5 million hours in direction of this milestone which underscores the belief and confidence positioned of plane operators worldwide. Learn extra about Pratt & Whitney’s historical past of innovation right here.
About Pratt & Whitney
Pratt & Whitney is a world chief within the design, manufacture and repair of plane engines and auxiliary energy models. To study extra, go to www.prattwhitney.com.
About RTX
RTX is the world’s largest aerospace and protection firm. With greater than 180,000 world workers, we push the boundaries of expertise and science to redefine how we join and defend our world.
By means of industry-leading companies – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we’re advancing aviation, engineering built-in protection methods for operational success, and creating next-generation expertise options and manufacturing to assist world clients deal with their most important challenges. The corporate, with 2022 gross sales of $67 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.
RTX’s Pratt & Whitney Canada and Leonardo obtain first 100% SAF flight with PT6C-67C-powered AW139 helicopter, LONGUEUIL, Quebec, December 7, 2023
