Grob Aircraft Selects Iconic PT6A Engine for Aircraft Update Program

July 11, 2016
The G520 is a civil certified aircraft designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions and altitude environmental test purposes.

FARNBOROUGH, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwired - July 11, 2016) - Germany's Grob Aircraft has selected the PT6A-67A for the G520NG aircraft. P&WC is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

The G520 is a civil certified aircraft designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions and altitude environmental test purposes. The aircraft features unique modular payloads so it can easily accommodate new technology or different customer requirements. Its new engine, the PT6A-67A, is civil certified up to 45,000 feet. The aircraft will benefit from the PT6A's world-leading single-engine IFR reliability levels, a factor that will contribute significantly to pilot peace of mind.

"This aircraft is definitely a special application with some very demanding requirements of the powerplant," said Mike Perodeau, Vice-President, Marketing, P&WC. "Various PT6A series engines can provide high-altitude, long-endurance flight in differing environmental conditions - integral to the missions carried out by the G 520NG. The Grob program demonstrates the unique capabilities of the PT6 engine family and the diverse nature of the applications it serves."

In addition, Grob and P&WC are studying new joint opportunities on other aircraft platforms.

The PT6 engine is a testament to P&WC's commitment to developing technologies that meet operators' evolving requirements, and increasing the value of its offerings to its customers. Since it entered service in 1963, the engineering team has continuously driven performance enhancements and technology innovations, often opening the door to new applications and enabling new capabilities thanks to its unique attributes.

The PT6A is not just one engine - it's a family of engines using an innovative, modular and flexible reverse flow design which simplifies installation in both single engine and twin engine installations, as well as, in tractor and pusher propeller configurations. This permits simple, on-wing maintenance for most tasks where others may need a shop visit. All external components are easily accessible making the PT6A the easiest and simplest engine in the general aviation industry to access and maintain. Its design is one of the many reasons the PT6A is the most reliable and most chosen engine family on the planet. 

P&WC will be at Farnborough 2016 (Pavilion #OE3). Interested operators are invited to drop by the booth to speak with a customer service representative.

About Grob Aircraft

Grob Aircraft is one of the world's most capable and experienced composite aircraft manufacturers, in business since 1971. In its 45 years history, Grob has delivered more than 4000 aircraft which have accumulated more than seven million flight hours on five continents. Its product range evolved from pioneering gliders in the 1970s, record-breaking high-altitude aircraft of the 1980s and 1990s, and today's leading edge designed and state-of-the-art, training and special mission aircraft.

About Pratt & Whitney Canada

Founded in 1928, P&WC is a global aerospace leader that is shaping the future of aviation with dependable, high-technology engines. Based in Longueuil, Quebec (Canada), P&WC is a wholly owned subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (UTC). UTC provides high-technology systems and services to the global aerospace and building systems industries.