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I wonder quite why something like a PT6 costs so much. The development costs are surely paid off by now, and it’s produced in fairly high volume, but it remains
by davidgould 6y ago
I wonder quite why something like a PT6 costs so much. The development costs are surely paid off by now, and it’s produced in fairly high volume, but it remains expensive. Maybe SpaceX should get into aircraft engines?
- pas 6y agoHow many hours does a PT6 usually has to work before it has to be replaced? How similar is a turbopump on the Raptor to the PT6?
- Stevvo 6y agoDepends on the exact model, but PT-6 TBO is usually around 4500 hours. I'd imagine the turbopump is mechanically similar, just much bigger.
- Stevvo 6y agoSome manufacturers have a monopoly in a certain class of engine thanks to type certification. The certification and liability that comes with it are prohibitively expensive for new comers. The PT-6 is an example of this; in North America, it stands alone, undisputed king of it's class. What's ridiculous is that turbine engines are simple. More simple than piston engines, and everyone and their dog can build a piston engine.