Cessna SkyCourier aircraft. Credit: Textron Aviation Inc.

Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) has secured a contract from Textron Aviation to power a new Cessna SkyCourier aircraft that will cater to the utility segment.

Under the deal, the clean-sheet, twin-engine turboprop aircraft will feature the PT6A-65SC engine from P&WC.

The capacity of the 1,100shp engine has been improved with a fully connected P&WC Full-flight data Acquisition, Storage and Transmission (FAST) data system, which is designed to optimise operations, reduce costs and increase availability.

“We expect this addition will help FedEx continue to expand its offerings and deliver on their commitments to customers.”

The PT6A-65SC engine is also developed to carry high payloads and offer more time on-wing with 6,000-hour time between overhaul (TBO).

P&WC general aviation vice-president Nicholas Kanellias said: “We are proud to power this new Cessna SkyCourier aircraft that FedEx Express is adding to its feeder aircraft fleet.

“FedEx Express is a long-time operator of P&WC-powered aircraft and the world’s largest express transportation company. We expect this addition will help FedEx continue to expand its offerings and deliver on their commitments to customers.

“When a cargo carrier offers a service bound by a definite delivery time and date money-back guarantee, the dispatch reliability and proven performance of the engine play a critical role in meeting customer demands.”

Textron Aviation’s Cessna SkyCourier is designed to serve both cargo and passenger flights.

The cargo variant of Cessna SkyCourier to be used by FedEx Express will be equipped with a large cargo door and a flat floor cabin that is sized to handle up to three LD3 shipping containers with a maximum payload capability of 6,000lb.

Expected to enter service by 2020, the aircraft will be able to travel at a maximum cruise speed of up to 200KTA.