Paris Air Show 2015: Pilatus showcases Two Powerhouse Turbo Prop Aircraft

Representatives of military forces of many countries and all major international manufacturers like Pilatus Aircraft,  at Paris Air Show 2015, is showcasing the PC-21 next generation trainer and the PC-12NG single engine turboprop aircraft. With over 70 years of experience building rugged, yet finely-crafted utility aircraft, Pilatus’ high performance PC-21 NextGen trainer and the cabin-class PC-12NG are used by governments, militaries, and humanitarian support entities in some of the harshest environments around the world. In both the civilian and military markets, Pilatus enjoys a reputation for utilising the most modern design techniques and precision engineering in every aircraft it produces. The PC-21 and PC-12 NG together extend the remarkable Pilatus legacy several steps further.

Systems integration is at the core of the PC-21 cockpit design philosophy. As an advanced aircraft, the cockpit display and control system are configured closely to the concept of the latest generation front-line aircraft which are characterised by a greatly increased pilot workload. (Photo: Pilatus)

The PC-12 NG is particularly well suited for surveillance work, and can also accomplish a multitude of missions. Compared to other twin-engine turboprop, jet, and rotary-wing aircraft, the PC-12 NG is far less costly to buy and operate over its lifecycle. The basic Spectre option for the PC-12 NG includes an operator station and sensor lift mechanism for USD $650,000. EO/IR sensor, additional equipment and aircraft options for specific mission requirements are typically quoted on a case-by-case basis. (Photo: Pilatus)

Carefully tailored to provide an optimum training solution, the PC-21, was developed from ground up and delivers great performance, cockpit equipment, flexibility, and ease of maintenance for a turboprop aircraft. Given the budgetary constraints of Air Forces, the PC-21 provides a low-cost but highly effective training platform for pilots destined to fly jet fighters, without actually requiring them to fly jets until much later in the programme. To do this, Pilatus expanded the design and performance envelope to take this single engine turboprop into an area that was previously the domain of jet aircraft. Training hours previously assigned to jet trainers can now be completed on the PC-21 training system. The quality and efficiency of pilot training is substantially improved by the use of state-of-the-art technology, while comparatively low lifecycle costs translate to significant savings in pilot training expenditure. Other PC-21 attributes include significantly lower fuel consumption and noise emissions. The PC-21 training system, which consists of the aircraft, high-end simulator technology, comprehensive Computer Based Training and instructional documentation, offers one of the most advanced, integrated training systems available on the market today.

Three Air Forces currently use the PC-21 training system with excellent results: Switzerland (eight PC-21s - shown), Singapore (19 PC-21s) and the United Arab Emirates (25 PC-21s). Saudi Arabia and Qatar have also selected the PC-21 and in 2012 ordered 55 and 24 aircraft respectively. (Photo: Pilatus)

The versatile PC-12 NG performs many roles worldwide, including executive transport, commuter, medevac, police and border surveillance, cargo transport, military liaison, and regional airliner. The PC-12 NG is a large, powerful, efficient and versatile business and utility aircraft that delivers benefits across the board by drawing on a long list of strengths. In just minutes the PC-12 NG can be transformed to perform a wide range of special mission roles. In one aircraft, the PC-12 NG combines high speed, long range, large cabin, fuel efficiency, low maintenance, and unimproved runway operation (STOL) to create one highly efficient platform, capable of accomplishing many critical missions. Apart from serving as an executive jet par excellence, the PC-12 NG also functions as a uniquely capable and flexible intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platform and as one of the most cost-efficient and capable command and control platforms  available today. The PC-12 NG also has a proven track record in disaster response. Fires, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes and tornadoes are disasters that require rapid response by governments, military personnel, medical staff and relief agencies. The PC-12 NG’s large cargo door enables it to make quick turns reloading supplies on the ground. Its quickly convertible interior makes it easy to switch from carrying pallets of food and supplies to transporting medical personnel or air-lifting critically injured patients.

With over 1,100 aircraft in the field, the PC-12 fleet has racked up millions of flight hours operating in remote regions of the Arctic, across the deserts of Australia, over the waters of the North Atlantic, and in the mountains of Southwest Asia. The PC-12 NG’s modern, yet simple and intuitive systems make troubleshooting and repair a breeze and consequently and consequently the PC-12 NG requires far fewer man-hours of maintenance per flight hour than aircraft traditionally used for special mission roles. (Photo: Pilatus)

PC-12 in Air Ambulance/MEDEVAC role. (Photo: Pilatus)

Founded in 1939, Pilatus Aircraft is a Swiss company developing, producing, and selling aircraft to customers around the world: From the legendary Pilatus PORTER PC-6 to the best-selling PC-12, a single-engine turboprop, and the PC-21, a training system of the future. Pilatus is currently developing the PC-24 – one of the world’s first ever business jets for use on short unmade runways. Headquartered in Stans, Switzerland, Pilatus is a privately held company employing over 1800 people worldwide.