 During 1987, in response to prevailing market trends towards more efficient, powerful and reliable turboprop powerplants, Canadair undertook the task of retrofitting 17 "CL-215" airframes with the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123AF engines.This engine provided a 15 percent power increase over the original piston engines, as well as enhanced reliability and safety.The retrofitted aircraft were designated "CL-215T".