The PT6 engine entered service in the mid-1960s. Since then, application of new technology has enabled low-cost development of engines approaching 1500 kW, the introduction of electronic controls, improved power-to-weight ratio, higher cycle temperature, and reduced specific fuel consumption. At the same time, PT6 field experience in business, commuter, helicopter, and trainer applications has resulted in engines with low Direct Operating Cost and a reputation for rugged design and a high standard of engine reliability. This paper will highlight some interesting examples of this technical evolution, including the development of electronic controls and the application of the latest three-dimensional aerodynamic and stress analysis to both compressor and turbine components.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
April 1994
Research Papers
The PT6 Engine: 30 Years of Gas Turbine Technology Evolution
M. Badger,
M. Badger
Pratt & Whitney Canada, Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Search for other works by this author on:
A. Julien,
A. Julien
Pratt & Whitney Canada, Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Search for other works by this author on:
A. D. LeBlanc,
A. D. LeBlanc
Pratt & Whitney Canada, Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Search for other works by this author on:
S. H. Moustapha,
S. H. Moustapha
Pratt & Whitney Canada, Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Search for other works by this author on:
A. Prabhu,
A. Prabhu
Pratt & Whitney Canada, Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Search for other works by this author on:
A. A. Smailys
A. A. Smailys
Pratt & Whitney Canada, Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Search for other works by this author on:
M. Badger
Pratt & Whitney Canada, Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada
A. Julien
Pratt & Whitney Canada, Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada
A. D. LeBlanc
Pratt & Whitney Canada, Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada
S. H. Moustapha
Pratt & Whitney Canada, Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada
A. Prabhu
Pratt & Whitney Canada, Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada
A. A. Smailys
Pratt & Whitney Canada, Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada
J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power. Apr 1994, 116(2): 322-330 (9 pages)
Published Online: April 1, 1994
Article history
Received:
February 12, 1993
Online:
April 24, 2008
Citation
Badger, M., Julien, A., LeBlanc, A. D., Moustapha, S. H., Prabhu, A., and Smailys, A. A. (April 1, 1994). "The PT6 Engine: 30 Years of Gas Turbine Technology Evolution." ASME. J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power. April 1994; 116(2): 322–330. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2906823
Download citation file:
Get Email Alerts
Cited By
Study Of Tandem Rotor Dual Wake Interaction With Downstream Stator Under Unsteady Numerical Approach
J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power
An Efficient Uncertainty Quantification Method Based on Inter-Blade Decoupling for Compressors
J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power (April 2025)
Experimental Design Validation of a Swirl-Stabilized Burner With Fluidically Variable Swirl Number
J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power (April 2025)
Experimental Characterization of a Bladeless Air Compressor
J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power (April 2025)
Related Articles
A Feasibility Study of Inverted Brayton Cycle for Gas Turbine Repowering
J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power (July,2005)
The Feasibility of Water Injection Into the Turbine Coolant to Permit Gas Turbine Contingency Power for Helicopter Application
J. Eng. Power (July,1983)
Design and Test of a Semi-Passive Flow Control Device for Inlet Distortion Suppression
J. Turbomach (January,2001)
Performance Enhancement of Microturbine Engines Topped With Wave Rotors
J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power (January,2006)
Related Chapters
Outlook
Closed-Cycle Gas Turbines: Operating Experience and Future Potential
Performance Testing of Combined Cycle Power Plant
Handbook for Cogeneration and Combined Cycle Power Plants, Second Edition
The Stirling Engine
Air Engines: The History, Science, and Reality of the Perfect Engine