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Pratt & Whitney Canada sign 10-year pact with Thrush Aircraft

Dec. 9, 2011, Las Vegas, Nv. - Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) and Thrush Aircraft today announced a 10-year General Terms Agreement at the National Agricultural Aviation Association's 45th Annual Convention & Exhibition.


December 9, 2011  By Carey Fredericks

The agreement, which governs a broad suite of commercial arrangements, extends the partnership between P&WC and Thrush Aircraft, one of the leading agricultural aircraft manufacturers in the world.

"The 10-year timeframe of our agreement with Thrush speaks to the long-standing and co-operative relationship we have," said Mike Perodeau, Vice President, Corporate Aviation and Military Engines. "We are gratified that P&WC will continue to work with Thrush to meet its engine needs, and we expect that this new agreement will set the stage for joint development work in the coming decade."

The commercial agreement announced today includes details on pricing, technical standards, terms and conditions, aftermarket support, warranty and training.

"The completion of this long-term agreement is a significant new milestone for us," said Payne Hughes, president of Thrush Aircraft, "and a meaningful one for our customers worldwide. We have always enjoyed our relationship with the Pratt & Whitney Canada team, and it is gratifying to know we'll be continuing to work together well into the future. Our aircraft, and their engines, make for a very good combination."

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P&WC and Thrush have worked in tandem for many years as the manufacturer built its fleet of highly respected aerial application aircraft. Thrush's 550P is powered by the PT6A-60AG engine, its 510P by the PT6A-34AG engine and the 710P by the PT6A-65AG engine. Thrush's aircraft are known for structural durability and excellent performance under the most extreme conditions. They are flying today in more than 80 countries.

"PT6 engines are used by 7,000 operators around the globe and stand as a testament to how P&WC reinvents its products to meet emerging customer needs," said Perodeau. "Although other engine OEMs have tried, none have come close to matching the versatility and reliability of the PT6. We have consistently taken advantage of aerodynamic and material technology advancements to enhance the performance of the PT6 without significantly increasing its size. We also helped build the modern agriculture industry by developing a distinct family of PT6A engines specifically for the agriculture market."

There are currently some 27,000 PT6 engines in operation today, and the engine has booked a remarkable 350 million hours of flight. From flying in the Antarctic at 75 degrees below zero to supporting environmental efforts in reforestation programs, the PT6 engine and its adaptability continue to earn the respect and loyalty of pilots worldwide.

Come see us at NAAA, Booth 523: Interested operators are invited to drop by P&WC's booth to speak with a customer service representative.

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