After more than 6 years in the making, Valdor Aircraft has announced that Transport Canada has authorized the work required to modify the most versatile bush plane ever built in the world of aeronautics. This project is part of a sustainability initiative designed to extend the Beaver’s lifespan by several decades.
“The Beaver was originally built in the late ’40s, and maintaining radial engines that are nearing end-of-life has become increasingly more difficult. We worked with Pratt & Whitney Canada to retrofit the Beaver with a PT6A-34 to increase its reliability, durability and performance.”
– Gaétan Gilbert, President and Senior Director, Valdor Aircraft
The Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) recently granted by Transport Canada allows for the replacement of the Beaver’s original piston engines with high-performance turboprop engines from Pratt & Whitney Canada, along with the installation of BX wings, built entirely at the Val-d’Or plant.
“We’ve been committed to this project since the very beginning, and believe that it’s one of the biggest aeronautical development projects for a small to medium-sized company in Canada.”
– Gaétan Gilbert, President and Senior Director, Valdor Aircraft
The ambitious retrofit program meets Transport Canada’s latest requirements, and to achieve this, many of the Beaver’s original systems and features have been modified and upgraded.
“We’re proud to be working with Valdor Aircraft on this important project, because together we’re giving new life to a legacy aircraft. This year, Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PT6 engine celebrates its 60th anniversary, and marks 500 million flight hours. Our know-how and, most of all, our determination to create a sustainable environment in which existing technologies are revisited, are helping to showcase not only our products, but also local companies.”
– Anthony Rossi, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at Pratt & Whitney Canada
“I would like to thank Transport Canada for seeing this project as an opportunity to breathe new life into the legendary Beaver, and for recognizing the quality of the work accomplished by the team at Valdor Aircraft. Thank you to our investors and partners for their support, and thank you to our employees for their determination and professionalism, which made this great project possible. This is a tribute to our team and a great achievement for Valdor Aircraft.”
– Gaétan Gilbert, President and Senior Director, Valdor Aircraft
Beaver owners and operators have been waiting for the approval of the STC, and Valdor Aircraft’s team of experts is now ready to begin modifying the aircraft. The project is helping to diversify the Abitibi-Temiscamingue economy, all while creating new jobs in an exciting field.
The Beaver aircraft is a mainstay of the Canadian aviation industry, 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.
“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.”
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 is the first engine in general aviation to feature 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.
In its 60 years of service, the PT6 engine, has flown over 500 million hours. With more than
64,000 PT6 engines produced since its introduction in 1963, it powers over 155 different
aviation applications. With great versatility, the PT6 engine family powers a broad variety of
aircraft missions such as humanitarian, firefighting, agricultural aerial application, search and
rescue, emergency medical services, and can access remote regions around the world, with
positive social impact.
Photos: Jean-Philippe Richard
Source: Press Releases