Paris Air Show: ATR and Pratt & Whitney Canada push turboprop tech forward
ATR is deepening its partnership with Pratt & Whitney Canada in a bid to accelerate the development of next-generation propulsion systems for regional turboprop aircraft.
The two manufacturers announced their latest collaboration in Paris week, aimed at building on the performance of the existing PW127XT engine and exploring new innovations for ATR’s future EVO concept aircraft.
The partnership will focus on several technical advancements including better thermal efficiency to cut fuel consumption, the use of next-gen materials to boost engine durability and reduce maintenance costs, and refinements to engine-airframe integration to improve aerodynamics and overall efficiency.
A key part of the work will also explore hybrid-electric propulsion systems. Both companies say the study will assess how electrification can be introduced into regional aviation without compromising reliability or performance.
“From our pioneering collaboration on the PW120 in the 1980s, ATR and Pratt & Whitney Canada have continuously raised the bar in regional aviation,” said Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer, ATR.
“We are now setting our sights on the next generation of engines, advancing fuel efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing operational performance.
“As we work together on further improvements to the PW127XT-M, we are shaping the technologies that will drive the next generation of regional aircraft – a key step in the feasibility study for the ATR ‘EVO’ concept.”
Earlier this year, the Franco-Italian regional aircraft maker, co-owned by Airbus and Leonardo, confirmed a significant delay to the entry into service of its EVO turboprop, pushing its original 2030 target back by at least five years due to limitations in engine development timelines.
ATR and Pratt & Whitney Canada already have around 1,300 turboprops flying globally, with more than 60 aircraft powered by the newer PW127XT-M. Since its entry into service in 2022, that engine has logged more than 300,000 hours and delivered gains including a 3% improvement in fuel burn and 40% more time on wing.
“As we celebrate the centennial of Pratt & Whitney, our strong collaboration with ATR highlights our continued commitment to leading the regional turboprop segment,” added Maria Della Posta, president, Pratt & Whitney Canada.
“For over 40 years, we’ve shared values of safety, reliability, and innovation, driven by our commitment to meet the specific needs of regional aviation operators.
“With over 30 derivatives specifically tailored for regional turboprop applications, we continue to enhance aircraft performance by building on the benefits of the exceptional PW127XT engine.”
What is the ATR EVO?
The ATR ‘EVO’ concept is centred on integrating a highly efficient thermal engine with a battery-assisted electric motor, aiming to enhance propulsion efficiency by optimising the size and performance of the engine core through hybrid-electric assistance.
This next-generation turboprop is being developed to deliver a 20% reduction in both CO2 emissions and direct maintenance costs compared to current ATR aircraft powered by PW127M engines.
Crucially, the EVO will maintain a dual-engine configuration and be fully compatible with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), reinforcing ATR’s commitment to decarbonising regional aviation.
Beyond propulsion, the EVO will introduce a range of major enhancements throughout the aircraft.
Planned upgrades include a fully redesigned cabin focused on environmental sustainability, incorporating lightweight components made from bio-based sources, as well as recycled and reusable materials.
The design philosophy also aims to minimise waste across the entire lifecycle of the aircraft, from production to end-of-service.
Who else is working on a next-gen regional turboprop?
Deutsche Aircraft is working on its D328eco, a next-generation turboprop developed to replace ageing fleets and meet future sustainability targets.
Building on the legacy of the Dornier 328, the D328eco is an updated platform with a lightweight design made of advanced composites and powered by Pratt & Whitney’s PW127XT-S engines.
