20,000th Lethbridge-built Pratt & Whitney engine installed in Air Tractor aircraft

The partnership between Texas-based aircraft manufacturer Air Tractor and Pratt & Whitney dates back decades, and together the companies have achieved many milestones along the way.

Most recently, Air Tractor installed a PT6A-65AG engine into a new AT-602 agricultural spray plane. The engine happens to be the 20,000th engine produced by the Pratt & Whitney Lethbridge, Alberta facility.

“What a milestone,” remarked Jim Hirsch, president of Air Tractor. “We couldn’t be more excited that this engine is powering an Air Tractor. The PT6 engines manufactured by Pratt & Whitney are legendary for their performance and reliability. Our companies both share a commitment to producing the very best products for our customers. We are looking forward to many more milestones to come.”

The new Air Tractor, with the serial number AT-602-1308, went to Air Tractor dealer Frost Flying. On April 9, Garrett Frost delivered the airplane to its new owner, Scott Delong of Farmers Cooperative in Dorchester, Nebraska.

The popular AT-602 with its 630-gallon hopper capacity, wide swath width and fast ferry times is a favorite among aerial applicators. To date, Air Tractor has built more than 300 AT-602 airplanes. They can be found working all around the world.

Pratt & Whitney engines are flown by more than 1,100 airlines and operations in 200 plus countries. The company’s long-standing commitment to innovation has made them a key player in the development of the Canadian aerospace industry. The company has introduced 100 new engines powering a variety of aircraft during the past 25 years.

At its Olney Texas manufacturing facilities, Air Tractor produces a line of aircraft that includes 400, 500, 600 and 800-gallon capacity airplanes powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 turboprop engines. The airplanes are used for agricultural aerial application, firefighting, narcotic crop eradication, fuel hauling, fighting locust plagues, and cleaning oil spills in coastal waters. From North, South and Central America, to Australia, Indonesia and China to Spain, Italy, Croatia and Africa, Air Tractor aircraft can be found working in more than 30 countries around the world and are supported by a global network of Air Tractor dealers. More information can be found at airtractor.com.