General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) carried out a test of the PT6 E-Series model turboprop engine from Pratt & Whitney Canada on GA-ASI’s MQ-9B, which is a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). Multiple full-power engine tests were performed at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ Desert Horizon flight operations facility in El Mirage, Calif. GA-ASI has enjoyed a long-term collaboration with Pratt & Whitney with their turbofan engine for GA-ASI’s MQ-20 Avenger RPA.
“We’ve enjoyed a long-term relationship with Pratt & Whitney,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “Integrating their PT6 E-Series engine onto our MQ-9B SkyGuardian® aircraft offers an alternate option for future customers that includes a 33 percent increase in power, dual channel electronic propeller and engine control system, as well as all the benefits of the PT6 engine family,”he further added.