When Textron Aviation unveiled its engine plans for its single-engine turboprop, the Denali, the chosen powerplant, the GE Catalyst engine, was still a work in progress. Its targeted much lower fuel burns coupled with a first for a turboprop—automatic digital power control—made a splash. After delays, the engine was finally FAA approved this year, but in the meantime, Pratt & Whitney has unveiled automatic power control, known as FADEC (full authority digital engine control) on a couple models of its ubiquitous PT-6 turboprop engine. And Daher announced that it was, indeed, using just such an engine on its brand-new Daher TBM 960, which was unveiled at Sun ’n Fun in April.
FADEC for Turboprops
Key Takeaways:
- The GE Catalyst engine for Textron Aviation's Denali, featuring automatic digital power control and lower fuel burn, recently received FAA approval after delays.
- Pratt & Whitney has introduced its own FADEC (full authority digital engine control) technology for its PT-6 turboprop engines.
- Daher is utilizing Pratt & Whitney's FADEC-equipped PT-6 engine in its new TBM 960 aircraft.
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