First PW127XT-S Development Engines Delivered for D328eco Turboprop Aircraft
In a significant advancement for regional aviation, Pratt & Whitney Canada has officially delivered its first PW127XT-S development engines to Deutsche Aircraft's facility in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany. This marked a pivotal moment in the D328eco project—an upcoming regional turboprop aircraft. The newly developed PW127XT-S engines are set to power the first test aircraft, designated TAC1, with hopes of entering service by 2027. This achievement builds on a robust partnership between Pratt & Whitney Canada and Deutsche Aircraft that spans over 40 years, showcasing the commitment of both companies to innovate in aviation technology.
The PW127XT-S engines represent the latest evolution in Pratt & Whitney Canada's renowned PW100 engine family. This family of turboprop engines has set the industry standard for over four decades, amassing more than 208 million flight hours since its inception. The PW127XT-S variant boasts a remarkable enhancement in performance, promising a reduction in fuel consumption per passenger of up to 14% when compared to its predecessor, the original Dornier 328 platform. Additionally, the D328eco will feature an increased passenger capacity of 25% and cutting-edge avionics, making it a compelling choice for modern regional airlines.
Scott McElvaine, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Pratt & Whitney Canada, stated: "The PW127XT-S builds on our decades of experience in turboprop propulsion and incorporates the latest innovations to enable industry-leading fuel efficiency and time on wing." His words reflect the company's dedication to integrating state-of-the-art technology and efficiency into their products.
Nico Neumann, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft, emphasized the importance of these engines in facilitating significant enhancements to the D328eco. He described the aircraft as a modern, adaptable, and fuel-efficient solution for regional air transportation, which is crucial as airlines look to reduce operating costs and increase capacity. Neumann said, "Collaborating with Pratt & Whitney Canada allows us to deliver the best propulsion technology for our aircraft, providing greater capacity, lowering operating costs, and driving long-term value for our customers."
Collaboration between the two companies extends beyond engine development; they are also actively researching synthetic aviation fuels (SAF) to ensure compatibility with future specifications for 100% SAF, including drop-in fuel options. This initiative underlines the shared commitment of both organizations to sustainable aviation practices, helping to pave the way for a greener future in aviation.
About Deutsche Aircraft
Deutsche Aircraft, based in Germany, builds on a rich heritage of aviation innovation, focusing on crafting cutting-edge regional aircraft like the D328eco. Their team of skilled engineers and aviation experts is dedicated to ensuring reliability, efficiency, and sustainability in their designs, marking them as leaders in the industry. With their status as the type certificate holder and service partner for existing D328 operators, Deutsche Aircraft is in a prime position to enhance and expand the fleet with their next-generation aircraft.
About Pratt & Whitney
Part of RTX, Pratt & Whitney is a global leader in the aircraft engine sector, providing propulsion technologies for military, commercial, and civil aviation applications. With a history dating back to 1925, the company has been at the forefront of innovation, striving to deliver superior engine performance and reliability through a vast maintenance and service network.
About RTX
RTX claims the title of the world's largest aerospace and defense company, with around 185,000 employees dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology. The company, which generated over $80 billion in sales in 2024, aims to redefine aviation and defense strategies through advanced engineering and technological solutions, always looking to meet global challenges head-on.