Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Draco Aircraft has confirmed the choice of Pratt &amp; Whitney’s PT6A-135A engine to power a modernized version of the PZL-104 Wilga aircraft. The Polish start-up says the four-seater will be a “hyper” short takeoff and landing aircraft with a takeoff distance of just under 100 feet.
The 750-shp PT6A-135A will be integrated with MT Propeller’s 102-inch five-blade <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2024-12-13/draco-selects-mt-propellers-quiet-fan-jan-hyper-stol">Quiet Fan Jet propeller</a>. According to Draco, it will deliver improved performance over an earlier modification of the Wilga developed by U.S. entrepreneur Mike Patey, who sold his intellectual property to the European company last year.
The Draco will have a climb speed of 4,000 feet-per-minute and a stall speed of just 38 knots. The company aims to certify the aircraft, which is expected to have a range of around 900 nm, under both EASA and FAA Part 23 rules for both private and commercial use.
Pratt &amp; Whitney is expected to deliver the first PT6A-135A engine in early 2027. Draco is planning to build a pair of prototypes to be used for testing.
Warsaw-based <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-11-04/draco-set-breathe-new-life-polish-stol-aircraft-design">Draco Aircraft</a> is currently engaged in fund-raising to support remaining design work and construction of a production-conforming prototype by the end of 2027. It aims to raise $2 million by the middle of this year, followed by a further $2.3 million in 2026, and $4.7 million in 2027.
The company intends to manufacture the aircraft in Poland, where the original Wilga aircraft went out of production in 2006. It acquired intellectual property and tooling from Airbus Poland.
<figure role="group" class="caption caption-img">
<img alt="PT6A-135A turboprop engine" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ef85d5e5-dc70-4177-9e24-2b4a96d2ba92" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/PT6A.png" width="1600" height="900" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Pratt &amp; Whitney's PT6A-135A turboprop will power the Draco aircraft.</figcaption>
</figure>

The PT6A-135A engine is already in service with F90 and C90 members of the Beechcraft King Air twin turboprop family modified by conversion specialist Blackhawk, as well as the Textron Cessna Conquest I aircraft and modifications of the Cheyenne aircraft from StandardAero and T-G Aviation. It has met single-engine instrument flight rule requirements for commercial passenger-carrying flights with regulators in North America, Australia, Europe, and New Zealand.

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

Draco Selects PT6A-135A Engine To Power Short Takeoff Mod of Wilga Aircraft 

Polish start-up is breathing new life into the out-of-production PZL 104 aircraft

Pratt & Whitney's PT6A-135A turboprop will be combined with MT's Quiet Fan Jet propeller to power the single-engine "hyper" short takeoff Draco aircraft.

Draco Selects PT6A-135A Engine To Power Short Takeoff Wilga Upgrade

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