Valdor selects Pratt & Whitney engine to power retrofitted BX Turbo Beaver

LONGUEUIL, Quebec - Valdor Aircraft in Val-d'Or, Quebec sought a replacement engine to power its BX Turbo Beaver aircraft as part of a planned conversion program. They found their Solution from Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business in Longueuil, Quebec. 

The Beaver aircraft has a long history in Canadian aviation, having first flown in 1947, and is still used today on essential missions to remote areas. Valdor Aircraft specializes in the maintenance, modification, and repair of several types of aircraft, with work conducted at its Val-d'Or facility in Quebec's Abitibi-Témiscamingue region.

Today's PT6 engine is up to four times more powerful, has a 50 percent improved power-to-weight ratio and up to 20 percent better specific fuel consumption compared to the original engine. The recently launched PT6 E-Series  features a dual-channel integrated engine and propeller control. Each new model of the PT6 engine is developed and designed with a specific mission, platform, and customer in mind, while pursuing a reduced environmental footprint.

"Collaboration is key when propelling an industry forward and joining forces with Valdor Aircraft continues the legacy of the BX Turbo Beaver by upgrading it with the PT6A-34 engine," said Anthony Rossi, vice president of Global Sales and Marketing at Pratt & Whitney Canada. "We are bringing new life to the aircraft and creating value for operators for many years to come."

"Working closely with Pratt & Whitney Canada to develop a sustainable solution for the future of these aircraft is extremely rewarding for our team," said Gaétan Gilbert, president and CEO, Valdor Aircraft. "The supplemental type certificate recently received from Transport Canada allows us to replace the original Beaver piston engine with the high-performance PT6A-34 turboprop engine and install new BX wings built entirely at our Val-d'Or plant."