THE INCREDIBLE RELIABILITY of the PT6A gave birth to a whole new class of aircraft: the single-engine turboprops approved for air charter ops at night and in IMC. The Pilatus PC-12 and Cessna Caravan have overwhelmingly demonstrated how reliable the PT-6 is.
The Story of the PT6A
The genesis of the PT6A begins after World War 2 when it was realised the radial engines were fast becoming obsolete in the face of the jet engine revolution. However general aviation still needed propellor-driven planes with engines between 400 and 1000 hp.
In 1957, recognising the need for radial engine replacement, Pratt & Whitney Canada (PWC) assembled a team of Canadian and British engineers to replace the large radials. At the time the British were leading the field with their Rolls Royce Dart.
Detailed design on what was called the PT6A-6 (because it was the sixth engine development) started in January 1959. The team’s goals were clear: reliability; long maintenance intervals; low noise; high power; compact size; safety and utility.
After much contemplation the team came up with a truly original idea – the reverse flow free turbine turboprop. Just how extraordinary and radical a design this was, is hard to imagine now.
The free turbine uses separate power turbine and gas generator shafts. This was chosen as it minimises engineout drag while preserving fast response to power changes and enabling easier starts in extreme cold. The free-turbine design also permits on-wing maintenance and easy access to the PT6A hot section.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 2024-Ausgabe von SA Flyer Magazine.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 2024-Ausgabe von SA Flyer Magazine.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
LIVING THE DREAM Part 2: Planning and Pax
Part 2: Planning and Pax
QUEEN AIR TALES
In the early seventies Esquire Airways acquired a pre-owned Beechcraft Queen Air. This top of the range 8,800 lb MAUW model had nine forward facing commuter seats and I flew it as a single pilot operation for several months.
HELICOPTER PILOTS SHOULD UNIONISE
Helicopter pilots are stuck in a 12-month flying cycle. While they will have periods of rest and active rest (performing ground-based tasks and planning ventures) within their work source campaigns, it's not a good situation. They need programmed periods to catch their breath.
AFTERMATH of the Engine Fire
Iris McCallum continues her stories about her early years with Air Kenya. This month she tells us about the immediate aftermath of her dramatic engine fire and crash, and her subsequent 'getting back onto the saddle'.
LARGEST EVER RHINO RELOCATION
Specialist air cargo operator ACS mobilised all its skills to successfully complete a very challenging project – the translocation of 39 White Rhino from Namibia to the USA.
NOVEMBER 2024
November sees strong growth in aircraft registrations with 16 additions, but 10 aircraft are cancelled as exported. The Type Certified additions are a mixed bag.
TWINCO FUEL
AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT
RON WHEELDON'S HUNTERS
RON WHEELDON is a Johannesburg based trademark and IP attorney. He writes, \"My love affair with Hawker Hunter jet fighters started in approximately 1963 when the Rhodesian parliament opening was marked by a fly-by of nine recently acquired Hawker Hunters in diamond formation.
FLYING THE HAWKER HUNTER
Flying a Hunter starts hours before actually walking out to the aircraft. This machine is a legend, but it is first of all about the highest performance machine that it is feasible for a civilian to fly. Flying it is not to be taken lightly.
RIGHT SEAT RULES NO. 25 SLOW FLIGHT
Most of us feel a bit edgy when the ASI creeps down within 10 KIAS of the stall. Jim Davis has some hints on how to be comfortable and in control - even when the airspeed is 20 KIAS below the stall.
