MD Helicopters and Pratt & Whitney Canada will offer MD Explorer operators an option to upgrade their helicopters with new engines for increased power. Starting in September, the upgrade to the PW207E will be available to nearly 70 operators whose MD Explorers are powered by PW206A or PW206E engines. The PW207E is rate at 710 shp at takeoff and 800 shp at the 2.5-minute one-engine inoperative rating, increases of 11% and 8.5% respectively. In other MD news, the company will hold prices on spare parts for its light helicopter line in 2001. Although pricing for individual parts may be adjusted up or down throughout the year, there will be no across-the-board price increases.