Representatives of military forces of many countries and all major international manufacturers like Pilatus Aircraft now have their eyes trained on the upcoming Paris Air Show the world’s oldest and largest air show. Since the Paris Air Show is known for several technological innovations, Pilatus proudly showcases the PC-21which is used round the world to train military pilots of the future and the PC-12NG termed as the world’s greatest single.
With over 70 years of experience building rugged, yet finely-crafted utility aircraft, Pilatus has earned its place as the largest single-engine turboprop manufacturer in the world. 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 utilizing 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.
The Next Generation Trainer For Next Generation Military Pilots
Carefully tailored to provide an optimum training solution, the PC-21, was developed from ground up and delivers unparalleled 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 program. 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 (8 PC-21s), 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.
PC-12 NG
Vying for pride of place at the Paris Air Showin the single engine aircraft category is the PC-12 NG. 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.
Why the PC-12 NG is the world’s most wanted single
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. The rugged, field-proven PC-12 NG is as versatile as a Swiss Army knife. 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 a unique asset unmatched by anything else in the field. One highly efficient platform, capable of accomplishing many critical missions.
The result is a truly compelling, multi-role, multi-mission aircraft that is the definition of “mission fit.” What’s more, it costs millions less to procure than other aircraft in its class, and costs half as much to operate.
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) platformand 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 tornados are disasters that require rapid response by governments, military personnel, medical staff and relief agencies. The ability to carry large loads and operate from short, unimproved runways or even roads allows the PC-12 NG to provide aid in a way that no other aircraft is capable. 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. These are not simply roles conceived in a movie studio — the Pilatus PC-12 NG has proven itself dutifully as a first-responder providing support to teams helping people impacted by the earthquake in Haiti, Hurricane Katrina, and in relief efforts throughout the world.
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. For 10 consecutive years owners and operators of PC-12 NG aircraft have ranked Pilatus customer service #1 amongst all other turboprop aircraft manufacturers.
It is no wonder that Pilatus enjoys a reputation as the world market leader in this segment.
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