PC-12 NGX

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General Information

  • Manufacturer: Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.
  • Model: PC-12 NGX (latest variant)
  • First Flight: May 31, 1991
  • Primary Use: Utility, business aviation, and air ambulance.
  • Number Built: Over 2,000 as of 2025.
  • Price Range:
  • New: $5.4 million to $5.9 million (NGX variant).
  • Pre-owned: $2.5 million to $5 million depending on year and condition.

Design and Specifications

  • Type: Single-engine turboprop.
  • Wingspan: 53.4 ft (16.28 m).
  • Length: 47.3 ft (14.4 m).
  • Height: 14 ft (4.26 m).
  • Empty Weight: 6,903 lbs (3,130 kg).
  • Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 10,450 lbs (4,740 kg).
  • Fuel Capacity: 402 gallons (1,522 liters).

Performance

  • Engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67P turboprop.
  • Maximum Cruise Speed: 290 knots (333 mph, 537 km/h).
  • Range: 1,803 nautical miles (2,075 miles, 3,340 km).
  • Service Ceiling: 30,000 feet.
  • Takeoff Distance: 2,485 feet (757 m).
  • Landing Distance: 2,170 feet (661 m).

Capacity

  • Crew: 1-2 pilots.
  • Passengers: Up to 9 (plus pilot).
  • Cargo: Convertible cabin allows for cargo transport.

Features and Avionics

  • Avionics Suite: Advanced Honeywell Primus Apex or Advanced Cockpit Environment (ACE) avionics system.
  • Notable Features:
  • Pressurized cabin for high-altitude flights.
  • Large cargo door for easy loading.
  • Advanced autopilot and touchscreen avionics.
  • Quiet power mode for reduced engine noise during taxi.

Roles and Uses

  • Business Aviation: Popular with corporate travelers for its comfort and efficiency.
  • Air Ambulance: Widely used for medical evacuation due to its range and cabin flexibility.
  • Utility Operations: Equipped for cargo, surveillance, and special missions.
  • Regional Airlines: Operated by small airlines for passenger services in remote areas.

History and Legacy

  • Development: Designed to provide versatility, combining the comfort of a business jet with the ruggedness of a utility aircraft.
  • Market Success: Among the best-selling pressurized single-engine turboprops worldwide.
  • Cultural Impact: Known as the “Swiss Army Knife of the skies” for its adaptability.

Fun Facts and Trivia

  • Swiss Engineering: Manufactured in Switzerland, known for precision and quality.
  • STOL Capabilities: Can operate from short and unpaved runways.
  • Long Range: Its range rivals small jets, making it a standout turboprop.

Media Gallery

  • Photos: Images of the sleek design, cockpit, and cabin layout.
  • Videos: Demonstrations of short takeoffs and landings.
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