Pilatus PC-6 Porter / Turbo-Porter

History of the Pilatus PC-6 Porter / Turbo-Porter

The Pilatus PC-6 "Porter" is a versatile light aircraft originating from Switzerland, designed for short takeoff and landing (STOL) operations. Since its introduction in 1959, over 600 units have been produced, and it remains in service worldwide. Its high wing assembly, lightweight structure, and durable build contribute to its STOL capabilities, making it suitable for various military, civilian, and law enforcement applications.

Featuring a distinctive fuselage design with a tapered nose and tail, the PC-6 accommodates a spacious cockpit and cabin layout. The engine is positioned at the front, with fixed landing gear ensuring stability, particularly on unprepared surfaces. The aircraft's versatility extends to its interior configuration, with a central gas console in the cockpit and a single-aisle layout for passengers, equipped with forward-facing seats along the fuselage walls.

Over its decades-long history, the PC-6 has undergone several iterations, transitioning from piston-powered engines to turboprops. Military utilization spans reconnaissance, transport, and possibly armed roles, with various countries employing the aircraft for their defense needs. Notable operators include Australia, Israel, and the United States in the past, while current military users include Algeria, Argentina, and France. Additionally, law enforcement agencies in Malaysia, Oman, and South Africa rely on the PC-6 for aerial support.

Specification

BASICS

Year of Service: 1959

Origins: Switzerland

Status: Active.

Crew: 1

Production: 595

Manufacturer: Pilatus Aircraft - Switzerland / Fairchild Aircraft - USA

Operators: Australia; Algeria; Angola; Argentina; Austria; Bolivia; Canada; Chad; Colombia; France; Ecuador; Hungary; Indonesia; Iran; Israel; Malaysia; Mexico; Mongolia; Myanmar; Nepal; New Zealand; Oman; Papua New Guinea; Peru; Slovenia; South Africa; Sudan; Switzerland; Thailand; United Arab Emirates; United States

Transportation: General transport function for moving supplies/cargo or people (including casualties and VIPs) out of range.

Notable Features

Strong Aircraft Frame: The inherent ability of the airframe to take significant damage.

Extended range performance: Ability to travel long distances using on-board fuel supplies.

Operation Lakes: Able to operate over the ocean and survive certain harsh marine environments.

Crew management: In addition to the pilot, the aircraft also employs additional crew members who specialize in specific functions on the aircraft.

Closed crew room: There are partially or fully enclosed crew work areas.

Extended Access: The design includes features to facilitate loading/unloading of cargo/people from the aircraft.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 36.1 ft (11.00 m)

Width/span: 52.0 feet (15.85 m)

Height: 10.5 feet (3.20 m)

Cured weight: 2,866 lbs (1,300 kg)

MTOW: 6,173 lbs (2,800 kg)

Main Program Structure

Monoplane: Designed to use a single main wing main aircraft; this is the most popular arrangement of main aircraft.

Install high: The main aircraft is installed at the highest permissible position along the fuselage topline.

Straight: Floor plans involve the use of simple, straight main plan elements.

Performance

Installed: 1 x Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-27 turboprop engine, rated at 550 hp, driving a three- or four-blade propeller.

Maximum speed: 174 km/h (151 knots)

Maximum: 26,903 feet (8,200 m | 5 km)

Area: 454 km (730 km | 1,352 nautical miles)

Rate of climb: 945 ft/min (288 m/min)