You're right, the earlier 44s were good little engines when the customers got them, but it took a lot of work here to get them to that state.

I've now had a word with the guys about the possibility of converting older engines and they've said it's not possible. All the development work for the 44 turboprop has been done on the 44 Gold. The earlier engines had different parts, in particular the diffuser and turbine wheel, and won't work with the second stage. The old engine would have to be rebuilt with many new parts and it's definitely not worth doing.

Sara Parish
Wren Turbines