Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) announced it will be participating in Ukrainian airframe OEM Antonov new AN-132D DEMO aircraft, part of its new generation of light, multi-purpose airplanes Program which is expected to be ready for demonstration in late 2016.The long term potential for the program is estimated to be in the order of 400 PW150A engines. The AN-132D is to be developed by Antonov with participation from King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). P&WC is a division of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

The announcement was made at the European Regions Airline Association's 35th Annual General Assembly.

“We are delighted to have been selected by Antonov to power its AN-132D aircraft,” says Richard Dussault, Vice President, Marketing, P&WC. “The PW150A engine is part of the PW100 family of engines, proven workhorses known for their durability and dependability. This is an exciting, high-potential program for both Antonov and P&WC and we look forward to fully developing that potential.”

The AN-132 – intended for short- and medium-haul routes -- will have varied use, from troop transport to cargo and can be outfitted with a variety of cabin configurations. The aircraft will have a maximum cruising speed of 500 kilometers per hour and a maximum cruising altitude of 9,000 meters with a maximum payload of 9.2 tonnes. Antonov projects a potential market for the aircraft of 200 units between 2018 and 2025. Engine deliveries are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2016, with first fight of the AN-132 in 2016.

The PW100 engine family offers the lowest fuel consumption and carbon emissions in the regional turboprop market and incorporates the latest, proven advanced technologies. Ranging in power from 1,800 shp to more than 5,000 shp, PW100 engines are available in 38 models, offering unsurpassed flexibility and capability for a variety of applications. PW100 engines power aircraft in service with 500+ operators in 130+ countries. More than 8,000 PW100/150 engines have been produced since the family entered service in 1984, accumulating more than 165 million flying hours. PW100 engines have demonstrated their versatility in powering aircraft applications spanning regional airlines, coastal surveillance, firefighting and cargo transport.