Swiss Pilatus unveiled an improved version of its single turboprop engined PC-12 NG offering greater speed, better takeoff and climb per...
Swiss Pilatus unveiled an improved version of its single turboprop engined PC-12 NG offering greater speed, better takeoff and climb performance, more cabin comfort, greater range, and a quieter cabin with no increase in fuel burn or operating cost.
The 2016 Pilatus PC-12 NG cruises at a new maximum top-speed of 285 knots (528 km/h) thanks to an aerodynamic optimization effort which analyzed every square inch of the exterior of the PC-12 NG to come up with a number of enhancements to reduce drag.
Several subtle, but important changes contribute to the increased speed with no additional power. The under wing flap actuator fairings for example were redesigned for smoother airflow around them and the cabin entry door handle was changed to a flush fitting design.
Gaps and joints around the flaps were sealed, and several antennas were repositioned to align with localized air flow patterns.
The most noticeable change to the 2016 PC-12 NG is the standard five blade graphite composite propeller designed specifically for the PC-12 NG by Hartzell.
The new propeller reduces cabin noise levels, improves takeoff and climb performance, reduces life cycle maintenance costs, and is easily repairable in the field. The propeller blades feature a nickel cobalt leading edge and are fabricated using aerospace-grade carbon fiber monocoque structural design.
The thin blade shape is also optimized for low drag. The new propeller is certified for unlimited life. With a composite propeller, repairs are performed using epoxy, as opposed to filing away material on an aluminum propeller. In this manner, the composite blades are restored to factory-new dimensions at each overhaul interval. By the third overhaul cycle, the composite prop returns a significant value relative to the metal prop.
With cleaner aerodynamics and the new five blade propeller, takeoff, climb, and cruise performance are also improved.
The 2016 PC-12 NG features a takeoff distance over 50 feet of only 2,600 feet (793 m). At maximum gross takeoff weight, it can climb to a cruise altitude of 28,000 feet (8’535 m) 10 percent quicker, and maximum range has been extended to 1,840 nm (3’407 km) with four passengers and VFR fuel reserves.
Enhancing the exterior styling of the 2016 PC-12 NG are six new exterior paint schemes designed by BMW Designworks. Pilatus and BMW have worked jointly for more than a decade to come up with stylish new exterior and interior designs which our customers enjoy and take pride in showing their distinct personality.
For 2016, there are now six unique BMW designed executive interiors for customers to choose from, and Pilatus continues to offer full customization services for those who desire something even more unique.
Build 10 of the avionics software enhances the flying experience with new features such as temperature compensation for Baro VNAV approaches, a route flight log to show airways SIDs and STARS in the flight plan, a Vertical Direct-To task menu option, pilot-entered waypoints on the iNav map, an option for orbital search patterns, and a multitude of additional refinements requested by PC-12 NG pilots around the world.
In addition, flight plan loading directly into the Flight Management System is made even easier with Pilatus’ pioneering wireless gateway.
The new 2016 PC-12 NG is on sale now with a base price of $4,055,000. A typically equipped executive version retails for approximately $4,850,000.
