Pilatus P-2

Pilatus P-2 History

Aircraft manufacturer Pilatus is now known worldwide for its outstanding line of light aircraft used in military training and general aviation. The group started in Steins, Switzerland in December 1939, just as World War II (1939-1945) was gaining traction across Europe.

In earlier years, the company was used to support the Swiss Air Force, taking over the eventually abandoned "P-1" single-seat trainer program.

In 1942, Pilatus signed a contract with the Swiss Air Force to supply a two-seat monoplane trainer of modern design. Subsequent work resulted in the "P-2", which flew for the first time as a prototype (powered by an Argus engine) on April 27, 1945.

Just as World War II was drawing to a close, its final form was largely accepted and adopted by the Swiss Air Force. The first copies were commissioned in 1946.

The aircraft was largely conventional for its time: it sat side-by-side with two crew members under a long-running heavy-frame canopy amidships (the cockpit had dual controls). As usual, the engine is located in the nose, while the empennage is tapered, terminating in a single rudder fin, and has a low-mounted horizontal plane. The main aircraft is positioned low on the sides of the fuselage and moved slightly forward for balance and control.

The "tail" landing gear is retractable (the main legs fold inward towards the fuselage centerline). The aircraft's construction includes a mix of metal and wood for the structural components and canvas covering.

The aircraft has a two-bladed Argus constant speed propeller unit in the nose and is powered by an Argus As 410A-2 inverted V12 air-cooled piston engine rated at 370 hp. Performance specs include a top speed of 210 mph, a cruising speed of nearly 205 mph, a range of up to 540 miles, and a rate of climb of 1,280 feet per minute.

Measurements show an overall length of 36 feet, a wingspan of 29.8 feet, and a height of 8.9 feet.

The first P-2 prototype, the prototype, was officially designated "P-2-01". The "P-2-02" was used as a static test aircraft, while the "P-2-03" prototype, with its water-cooled Hispano-Suiza HS-12Mb (vertical) V engine and oversized radiator (mounted in the prone position), Followed by. The "P-2-04" was the first piece of equipment in the series (mainly used for weapons training) and was based on work done on the earlier P-2-03.

The "P-2-05" was developed as an unarmed version, 26 of which were sold to the Swiss Air Force. The "P-2-06" (with the existing weapons kit) was followed by 26 further examples, adopted by the Swiss Air Force.

The armed version has a single machine gun (located above the engine) and a row for the installation of practice dropping bombs and aerial missiles.

Although the P-2 originated in World War II, the P-2 was flown until 1981, when inventory was sold to private buyers. Many continue to fly in these hands and regularly attend airshows.

In addition to the Swiss Air Force, the P-2 was temporarily operated by the Haitian Air Force.

Specification

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Performance

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