Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) and ATR have agreed to work together to develop propulsion systems for a new generation of turboprop regional airliners. Under a partnership announced on Monday at the Paris Air Show, the companies plan to focus on increasing the efficiency, performance, and operating economics of engines that could power aircraft such as ATR’s Evo concept.
The current ATR 42 and ATR 72 commuters are fitted with PW127XT turboprops. ATR and P&WC said their engineers will focus on innovations. For example, they aim to increase thermal efficiency to reduce fuel burn; apply advanced materials to improve engine durability and reliability, reducing maintenance costs; and refine aircraft aerodynamics by optimizing engine, nacelle, and aircraft integration.
In addition, P&WC and ATR will explore options for hybrid-electric propulsion as part of a feasibility study for the ATR Evo models. The European airframer announced the Evo project in 2022, and at the time indicated it aimed to bring the aircraft into service in 2030.
Today, 1,300 ATR aircraft are powered by P&WC engines, including the most current PW127XT-M turboprop. P&WC, which is part of the RTX group, is celebrating its centenary this year.