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Pilatus PC-9

1984 COLD WAR MODERN AIRCRAFT

History of Pilatus PC-9

The Pilatus PC-9 is a successful two-seat basic training aircraft used in the military world to provide future pilots and fighter pilots with a first-flight experience. Born in the mid-1980s from the Swiss company Pilatus Aircraft, this aircraft is acclaimed by pilots worldwide despite its total production of 265. This type evolved from an earlier PC-7 model of similar form and function, which forms the basis for the US Beechcraft/Raytheon T-6 "Texan II" base trainer currently in service with the US military (see this page for details).

Base.

The first flight of the PC-9 took place on 7 May 1984 and was certified in September 1985. In production since 1984. Military operators range from Angola and Australia to Thailand and the United States.

The layout of the PC-9 is conventional, with a straight-wing main aircraft configuration. The main aircraft is located amidships like the two-seater cockpit, with a large curved cockpit providing excellent cockpit visibility. The cockpit is located behind a long nose section that can accommodate an engine. The tail has a single vertical tail and a low horizontal plane. The fully retractable landing gear uses two single-wheel main legs (under each wing) and one single-wheel front leg.

Inside, the cockpit mixes gauges and steam-style display units. The lever is centered between the knees and the throttle is on the port. The controls for student and faculty positions are duplicated. Both planes have ejection seats.

Variants include base and original PC-9 models. The PC-9/A became the basic trainer for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and was built locally under license from Hawker de Havilland. The PC-9B was a two-seat target turret for the Luftwaffe, followed by the PC-9M in 1997.

The M model introduced a revised rear wing and wing roots, among other subtle changes.

The PC-9M has an empty weight of 3,805 lbs and an MTOW of 5,180 lbs. Powered by a 1,150-horsepower Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-62 turboprop engine, it can reach speeds of 370 mph, range up to 955 miles, and have a service ceiling of 38,000 feet. The climb rate is 4,100 feet per minute.

Pilatus then partnered with the American company Beechcraft to provide the PC-9 Mk. 2 JPATS programs. This model became the T-6A Texan II in service with the US Air Force and US Navy.

While normally unarmed, the PC-9 has three hardpoints under each wing that can carry a variety of loads for training purposes or light attack engagements.