Daher Aircraft has selected Pratt & Whitney Canada's PT6A-140A engine to power its new Kodiak utility aircraft, the Kodiak 900.

“Daher's selection of the PT6A-140A engine for its latest Kodiak aircraft further asserts the reliability and versatility of the PT6 turboprop engine family,” says P&WC vice president, general aviation Nicholas Kanellias. “Kodiak aircraft have relied on the proven and trusted PT6A-34 engine since entering service 15 years ago. The 900-SHP PT6A-140A engine will offer greater range, a faster climb and greater cargo capacity to operators whose missions require extra power, while reducing specific fuel consumption (SFC) by nine per cent.”

The PT6A-140A was built for the utility market and optimised for rugged and demanding conditions with all-aluminium gearbox housings for better corrosion resistance and the best hot and high performance in its class. The PT6A-140A engine is part of the next-generation PT6A-140 engine series, which has already logged more than two million hours of flight.

“The attributes of the PT6 turboprop engine family have always been a key selling point for the first Kodiak 100 series since its inception,” says Kodiak Aircraft ceo and Daher aircraft division svp Nicolas Chabbert. “The PT6A-140A engine lets us propel the Kodiak to a new level of performance with cargo capacity. The new engine will enable our operators to enhance their productivity whether they fly cargo missions or manage businesses such as sky diving and air taxi service.”

There are no cycle limits on the engine's time between overhaul (TBO), something very important in missions that frequently take off and land, and fleet operators can benefit from TBO extension options of up to 8,000 hours. The PT6A-140A engine has a minimum component life limit over 50 per cent higher than other engines in the same class.

“We have a long term working relationship with Daher and have collaborated with the company closely over the years,” adds Kanellias. “We share the determination within Kodiak and the entire Daher group to build a more sustainable aviation industry, and the nine per cent specific fuel consumption reduction is a major step forward. We also use the latest manufacturing processes, green materials and employ combustion systems that reduce emissions.”

The PT6A-140A engine will have the capability of using the FAST diagnostic and prognostic solution. FAST captures, analyses and wirelessly sends full-flight data intelligence to the aircraft operator within minutes of the pilot shutting down the engine. This helps maximise aircraft availability, optimise maintenance planning, reduce operating costs, and avoid delays and cancellations.

Known for its broad power range, dependability and proven performance in all flying conditions and environments, the PT6 turboprop engine family is approaching 435 million flight hours, building upon the experience gained within the entire Pratt & Whitney Canada fleet at over 900 million flying hours. The PT6A engine has seen 120 enhancements made in the past 10 years alone. More than 50,000 engines have been produced and more than 25,000 of them are flying.

The PT6A is the only engine to achieve Single Engine Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) status for passenger revenue activity in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.