General Atomics Aeronautical Systems recently flew the MQ-9B SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 E-Series turboprop engine. Representatives from General Atomics and Pratt & Whitney attended the first flight of the PT6 engine on the MQ-9B, which lasted 44 minutes and – according to a company statement – demonstrated the engine’s suitability. The engine will also be used on the MQ-9B SeaGuardian in the future.
“We are very excited to see the PT6 engine on our MQ-9B aircraft. We have worked with Pratt & Whitney for years, particularly on our jet-powered Avenger, and we have a very productive partnership,” said General Atomics President David R. Alexander. “The first flight is an important milestone for MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian customers and for missions that require additional performance. In addition, customers who choose the Pratt & Whitney engine will benefit from low maintenance costs.” https://militaeraktuell.at/slowakei-angebot-fuer-bell-ah-1z-helikopter/ The PT6 E-Series is a versatile turboprop engine family that offers important performance enhancements for future MQ-9B missions. The PT6 provides a 33 percent increase in performance over the current MQ-9B engine. The engine also features an advanced dual-channel digital engine controller with full authority. MQ-9B is General Atomics’ next-generation RPA, featuring exceptional endurance and range, automatic takeoff and landing, and SATCOM-only control. The system is already in service in Japan and the USA. Deliveries to the United Kingdom have already begun and with Belgium, CanadaTaiwan and the US Air Force (-> current news about the US armed forces) to support the Special Operations Command.
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