Valdor Aircraft selects PT6A-34 engine to power Canadian BX Turbo Beaver

Valdor Aircraft has selected the PT6A-34 engine for its conversion programme of the single-engine BX Turbo Beaver, under a new supplemental type certificate from Transport Canada.

The Beaver aircraft is a mainstay of the Canadian aviation industry, having first flown in 1947 and is still used today on essential missions to remote areas. Valdor Aircraft specialises in the maintenance, modification and repair of several types of aircraft, with work conducted at its Val-d’Or facility in Quebec’s Abitibi-Témiscamingue region.

“Collaboration is key when propelling an industry forward and joining forces with Valdor Aircraft continues the legacy of the BX Turbo Beaver by upgrading it with the PT6A-34 engine,” said Anthony Rossi, VP Global Sales and Marketing at Pratt & Whitney Canada. “We are bringing new life to the aircraft and creating value for operators for many years to come.”

“Working closely with Pratt & Whitney Canada to develop a sustainable solution for the future of these aircraft is extremely rewarding for our team,” said Gaétan Gilbert, President and CEO, Valdor Aircraft. “The supplemental type certificate recently received from Transport Canada allows us to replace the original Beaver piston engine with the high-performance PT6A-34 turboprop engine and install new BX wings built entirely at our Val-d’Or plant.”

Today’s PT6 engine is up to four-times more powerful, has a 50% improved power-to-weight ratio and up to 20% better specific fuel consumption compared to the original engine. The recently launched PT6 E-Series™ is the first engine in general aviation to feature a dual-channel integrated engine and propeller control. Each new model of the PT6 engine is developed and designed with a specific mission, platform, and customer in mind, while pursuing a reduced environmental footprint.

In its 60 years of service, the PT6 engine, has flown over 500 million hours. With more than 64,000 PT6 engines produced since its introduction in 1963, it powers over 155 different aviation applications. With great versatility, the PT6 engine family powers a broad variety of aircraft missions such as humanitarian, firefighting, agricultural aerial application, search and rescue, emergency medical services and can access remote regions around the world, with positive social impact.