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Pilatus PC-12

History of Pilatus PC-12

Switzerland-based Pilatus Aircraft GmbH is a long-established player in the aerospace sector, founded in 1939. Fast forward to 1994 and the company introduced a new single-engine passenger and cargo aircraft-oriented multi-role aircraft in the Pilatus PC-12. The first flight of the prototype was recorded on May 31, 1991, and the design entered production the same year.

By the end of 2017, total production of the series had reached 1,500 units, many of which were designed for the civilian market although some were equipped by the military for specific mission roles.

The US Air Force currently (2018) uses the PC-12 series as the "U-28A".

PC-12 variant

Variants in the

series include the original PC-12/41 with a PWC PT6A-67B engine. It was followed by the PC-12/45 in 1996, which increased the MTOW from 9,040 to 9,920 pounds. In 2005, the company received certification for the PC-12/47, the next iteration of the series.

Design changes resulted in a further increase in MTOW to 10,450 lbs. The PC-12M "Ghost" became a special operations aircraft used by the military.

Pilatus PC-12NG

The PC-12/47E followed in 2008, which switched to the PWC PT6A-67P turboprop. The brand is also known as PC-12NG ("Next Generation"). Depending on the cabin interior layout, this model can seat two crew members and up to nine passengers. Overall length is 47.2 feet, with a wingspan of 53.3 feet and a height of 14 feet. MTOW is 10,450 lbs.

Avionics are matched to Honeywell Primus Apex Series kits.

PC-12 Tour

The PC-12 runs on a single nose-mounted turboprop engine - the world popular 1 x Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67. This drives a five-bladed Hartzell composite propeller. The plane can fly at nearly 330 mph, has a range of up to 1,845 nautical miles, and has a service ceiling of 30,000 feet.

The climb rate is 1,920 feet per minute.

The basic layout of the aircraft is traditional. It has straight, low-mounted monoplane wing assemblies mounted in the forward midship and a vertical stabilizer. The caudal fin supports a high level. The chassis is a typical tricycle arrangement. The cockpit is located behind the engine compartment in the nose and provides a good view for the two crew members.

Access for passengers and crew is installed on the port side near the cockpit. The cargo door is on the same side of the fuselage, just behind the main aircraft.

The series recorded millions of flight hours, with the PC-12 performing exceptionally well at 1,000. Airframe delivery was announced in June 2010. He continues to post worldwide sales.