Engine for Cessna gets Russian certificate

CIS-wide Interstate Aviation Committee’s Aviation Register (IAC AR) granted a type certificate for the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-140 engine in mid-August. The engine is designed to power the Cessna Grand Caravan EX, the new version of the Caravan turboprop family. For the first time in Russia, the aircraft is being demonstrated on static display at JetExpo 2013. JetTransfer, Cessna’s official distributor for Russia and Kazakhstan, says the first nine Caravans EX aircraft powered by the new engine are expected for delivery to Russia this September. The PT6A-140 is the most powerful member of the PT6 family built to date, says Denis Parisien, P&WC Vice-President, General Aviation. Its design implements advanced manufacturing processes and materials to reduce the engine’s environmental impact throughout its life cycle. The innovations include a more efficient compressor and the latest in materials are used in the hot section. The PT6A-140 is almost 25% more powerful than the previous version powering the Grand Caravan. The increase in power improves the aircraft’s characteristics, including a greater rate of climb and enhanced takeoff and cruise performance at high outside temperatures and low pressure. Moreover, the new engine consumes some 5% less fuel, which is in line with P&WC’s environmental commitments.