The 2017 Paris Air Show underscored the diversity of aircraft equipped with Dowty Propellers’ propeller systems, bringing together a variety of airplanes ranging from “first timers” making their debut at the biennial event to those in series production and under development for the future.
This photo feature provides highlights from the week-long international gathering of industry professionals and aviation enthusiasts at Le Bourget Airport. (Click on the photos below for larger versions.)
Climbing out under the power of its Dowty Propellers R408 six-blade propeller systems, Antonov’s AN-132D participates in a flying presentation during the Paris Air Show. This twin-engine demonstrator – being developed in a collaboration of the Antonov Company and partners from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – attracted significant attention during its first-ever appearance at an international aerospace gathering. The aircraft, outfitted with Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150A turboprop powerplants, came to France after performing its maiden flight at Antonov’s Kiev, Ukraine headquarters facility on March 31.
The United States brought an impressive line-up of military aircraft to Le Bourget Airport, with the goal of promoting equipment standardisation and interoperability with NATO allies and international partners. Included was a C-130J from the 146th Airlift Wing, equipped with Dowty Propellers’ six-blade R391 propeller systems. Located at Channel Islands, California, this Wing is a combat-ready organisation prepared to support U.S. and allied forces in the event of national military contingencies. As a California National Guard, it provides disaster response, humanitarian relief and aerial firefighting capabilities.
Bombardier’s Q400 Dash 8 – which is fitted with Dowty Propellers’ six-blade R408 propeller systems on its two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150A turboprop powerplants – made headlines at the Paris Air Show with a series of new business agreements. The Canadian aircraft manufacturer announced a letter of intent with SpiceJet for up to 50 aircraft, building on 20 Q400s currently operated by the Indian airline. Also announced at Le Bourget was a transaction with Philippine Airlines for the exercise of purchase rights on seven Q400s, while Ethiopian Airlines was named as the previously undisclosed customer that signed a firm purchase agreement for five additional Q400 aircraft.
The MA700 was represented in scale model form on AVIC’s exhibit stand at the Paris Air Show. Representing China’s development of an all-new regional turboprop airliner, this aircraft will be equipped with R408 propeller system from Dowty Propellers, fitted on two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150C turboprop engines. Dowty Propellers also was chosen to develop and supply the MA700’s propeller electronic controller (PEC) – which manages the propeller system’s automatic control, including propeller speed and pitch, through all phases of flight.