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.
