Pilatus photo The new Pilatus PC-24 light business jet dubbed the Super Versatile Jet completed its maiden flight on Monday from Buochs a...
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| Pilatus photo |
The first prototype P01 with call sign HB-VXA, successfully completed the 55 minute maiden flight, flying across central Switzerland, from Altdorf to Brünig via Engelberg.
Test pilot Paul Mulcahy, who has some 11,000 hours under his belt, flew the PC-24 as pilot in command.
The twin jet took off from runway 07 in just under 600 meters and climbed to 10,000 feet (approx. 3000 m) in around three minutes, where the two pilots completed a series of meticulously planned tests.
Throughout the flight the PC-24 was accompanied and monitored by a PC-21 chase airplane. As is normal on maiden flights, the PC-24 landing gear was not retracted on this occasion.
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| Pilatus photo |
A total of three PC-24 prototypes will be built and used to complete a rigorous test program of some 2,300 hours over the next two years. Fewer than half those hours will actually be flown in Switzerland, the remainder will be flown elsewhere.
Certification and initial deliveries of the first aircraft to come off the production line are planned from 2017. The aircraft was rolled out in last August.
The PC-24 is the world's first business jet to be equipped with a cargo door as standard, with takeoff and landing performance that allows the use of very short and even unmade runways. The jet also boasts a spacious cabin with an interior which can be customized to accommodate individual customer needs.
The PC-24 marks Pilatus’s first foray into the business jet market and also the first jet engine powered Pilatus. PC-24 have a range of 3,300 km (2,051 mi) with six passengers and can cruise at a speed of 786 km/h (488 mph).
It is powered by two tail-mounted Williams FJ44-4A turbofan engines, each rated at 15 kN (3,400 lbf) thrust.
Pilatus sold a record 84 PC-24's in the space of just 36 hours at European Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition in May 2014.
The aircraft will be certified for single pilot operation and is designed for very short take off and landing (STOL) capability to operate from unpaved runways and grass strips.
Major competitors include Embraer Phenom 300, Cessna Citation CJ4 and the HondaJet light business jets.
