CAT Shows New King Air Exhaust Gas Extractor

Commuter Air Technology is showing its new exhaust gas extractor (EGE) for Beech King Airs at Booth N1129. Scottsdale, AZ-based CAT says about 50 shipsets of the new system are in operation, accumulating thousands of flight hours worldwide.

The EGEs have shown no cracks or other failures, even after accumulating more than 2,000 flight hours, the company says. CAT specializes in the design, manufacture and certification of products to enhance the performance and versatility of the King Air, generally known as CATPASS enhancements.

About two years ago, the company designed the EGE to improve the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT-6A exhaust system used on the King Air and other aircraft. The result is considered "a quantum leap" in engine exhaust technology. "It has long been recognized by King Air and other PT-6A operators that their exhaust system has exhibited characteristic stress and corrosion after only a few hundred hours," the company said.

The new EGE is made with stainless steel and treated with a heat-resistant ceramic coating that virtually eliminates cracking, resulting in a nearly maintenance-free system. The EGE reduces back pressure, efficiently removing hot gases by porting them out in a considerably shorter period of time compared to the original equipment. It is approximately half the size of the standard PT-6A exhaust and is based on the classic Coke-bottle shape. It results in a partial vacuum, or venturi, effect that sucks and pulls the exhaust from the turbine.

CAT says the system reduces fuel consumption by 7% to 12%, increases climb performance and cruise speed, reduces internal engine temperatures by up to 20 degrees, increases engine torque by 150 foot pounds, and reduces maintenance costs. The company is offering unconditional trade-in values on original exhaust systems to lower the initial acquisition costs.

"Our EGE system is priced at about $16,000 and we are offering $3,000 for each trade-in," said marketing VP Charles Aybar. "Fully extended warranties on the new system are standard and we can ship within 48 hours from receipt of payment," he said.

In addition to the new EGE, CAT manufactures its own line of King Air enhancements, including a 60-cubic-foot cargo pod, wilderness-tire conversion kits, and lightweight airliner seating. The current CATPASS 250 aircraft utilizes the King Air airframe which, after modification, can carry up to 13 passengers in three standard configurations.

By Arnold Lewis