RTX segment Pratt & Whitney Canada has announced that the Royal Saudi Air Force’s Pilatus PC-21 fleet has reached 100,000 flight hours, powered by the company’s PT6A engines.
The PC-21 supports advanced pilot and aircrew training for the Middle Eastern country’s military. Currently, the service operates 54 of the platforms.
The firm’s PT6A has an output of approximately 1,600 horsepower with the PC-21 system.
It enables a top speed of 370 knots (426 miles/685 kilometers per hour), a range of 720 nautical miles (828 miles/1,333 kilometers), and an altitude of up to 37,990 feet (11,579 meters).
The firm said the recent breakthrough reinforces the PT6 engine family’s role in international combat, preparations, and general aviation tasks, as the company expands its presence in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East through domestic partnerships and regional service support.
Beyond supplying the PT6 engines, the company provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, along with technical and customer support, to help ensure fleet readiness for its program partners.
“The PT6A engine has powered commercial and defense aircraft around the world for decades, offering customers versatility and reliable performance,” said Anthony Rossi, vice president of customer service at Pratt & Whitney Canada.
“The Pilatus PC-21 plays a critical role in advanced military pilot training, and our long-standing work with the [Royal Saudi Air Force] to support this fleet will enable safe, reliable and mission ready operations.”
