Deutsche Aircraft selects Pratt & Whitney to power D328eco regional turboprop

Deutsche Aircraft has selected the PW127XT-S engine from Pratt & Whitney Canada, a business unit of Pratt & Whitney, to power the D328eco regional turboprop. The engine will be another model in the XT series which delivers a significant improvement in operating costs and sustainability. The PW127XT-S will be developed according to the D328eco timeline.

“We have worked closely with the D328eco team over a number of years to develop the best engine option for the aircraft,” says Maria Della Posta, president of Pratt & Whitney Canada. “The PW127XT-S provides airlines 40% more time on wing, a 20% reduction in maintenance costs with only two scheduled events over 10 years, and a 3% improvement in specific fuel consumption. We support Deutsche Aircraft’s vision of building a green aviation company and we’re confident that the PW127XT-S is the ideal match for the D328eco.”

“In addition to the engine selection, Deutsche Aircraft and Pratt & Whitney Canada will collaborate on novel propulsion technologies for next generation, climate friendly, highly efficient regional aircraft,” says Dave Jackson, managing director, Deutsche Aircraft. “Turboprop technology remains the most efficient and eco-friendly form of regional air transport available in the world. Our two companies recently agreed to cooperate on enabling the PW127XT-S engine powering the D328eco to run on a 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) including hydrogen-based Power-to-Liquid (PtL) fuel.”

Modern regional turboprops consume 40% less fuel and emit 40% less CO₂ emissions than most in-service regional jets on flights up to 400nm. Both companies are convinced of the need to further invest in this segment to continue to improve efficiency and reduce the impact on the environment. Pratt & Whitney Canada and Deutsche Aircraft agreed to continue working together to jointly develop a technology roadmap for implementation, test, and verification of Pratt & Whitney Canada’s innovative propulsion technology, within the D328eco program.

Specifically, the roadmap will focus on the capability to operate the two most promising net zero/zero CO₂ fuels: PtL and hydrogen, respectively. The parties will assess the impact of these fuels and related technologies and operations to derive the requirements and solutions for the application.

“We seek not only to achieve the maximum CO₂ emissions reduction possible, but also look for real operative propulsion efficiency improvements compared to today’s technology. This would mean a reduction in the order of 15% to 25% block energy on a typical regional mission,” Jackson added.

Della Posta said, “It is key that the major airframe and engine OEMs set out ambitious yet realistic timelines and capabilities to use novel propulsion technologies in combination with de-carbonized fuel capabilities. Pratt & Whitney Canada is committed to continuous improvements in the efficiency and sustainability of its products and services, for customers in all market segments.”