The Preferred Turbine -3 conversion consists of many improvements to the operational safety, reliability and usefulness of the DC3/C47 aircraft.
The original radial engines are replaced with Pratt and Whitney PT6A-65AR or -67R turbine engines.
New Hartzell 5 blade full feathering and reversing propellers are installed. The fuselage is stretched and the center section and wings are reinforced to increase the max takeoff weight to 29,000 lbs. The electrical system is completely reworked, hydraulic system is updated and a new instrument panel is designed to the customers specifications. A new light weight floor and kydex interior liner are fitted. Multiple brownline tracks are installed to secure cargo and various equipment.
During the conversion process the airframe is throughly inspected.
Skins, floor beams and other structural members are replaced as needed. ADs and Service Bulletins are complied with to bring the airplane up to current inspection requirements. Any customer requirements for mounting equipment or special systems are incorporated.
The work is inspected at various stages during the process, before the airplane is delivered it receives a through final inspection and test flights by our highly experienced crew. New Aircraft Flight Manual, Maintenance Manual, Illustrated Parts Catalog, Wiring Diagrams and Engine and Propeller Manuals come with the airplane.
Electrical System:
All new wiring, circuit breakers, cockpit overhead panels and electrical components are installed. The original 12 volt batteries are replaced with two 24 volt, 48 amp hour sealed lead acid batteries. Nine buses (two left generators, two right generators, two main batteries, two avionics and one hot) handle the electrical distribution. The system is powered by two, 250 amp starter generators. Overhead panels are backlit with rheostats to control brightness. Map and other cockpit lights are replaced with LED lights. LED anti-collision lights, tip strobes and nav lights are standard equipment.
