One of The Best Business Turboprops Just Got Even Better
Pilatus Introduces the PC-12 NGX
Pilatus PC-12 NGX
We often talk about jets here at ELEVATE, and its easy to get lost looking at only one particular aircraft type. It is also easy to forget that a turboprop is actually an aircraft powered by jet propulsion, only that the turbine engine turns a propeller instead of a ducted set of fan blades. Today we take a look at the latest variant of one of the leading business turboprops on the market that has been around for almost 30 years and continues to push boundaries - The Pilatus PC-12 NGX.
One Of The World’s Most Versatile Aircraft
The PC-12 looks like no other aircraft, and performs like no other as well. The PC-12 is able to takeoff from short runways, paved or rough, fly for over 2,000 miles, handle a wide variety of jobs from passenger to cargo and even a mix of both, and operate in airline and executive configurations. The PC-12 does this and more with segment-leading economics.
The Swiss aircraft manufacturer recently stepped into the pure jet market with the PC-24, and one which we featured in a recent article.
A Long History of Quality Craftsmanship
Since it started rolling off the production line in Stans, Switzerland in 1994 over 1,700 PC-12s have been delivered to customers around the world. Pilatus designed the PC-12 to fit a new market as the first single-engine aircraft capable of a carrying large payloads at high speed across long distances.
By using a highly efficient and reliable Pratt and Whitney Canada engine and multiple backup systems found usually on much larger aircraft, the PC-12 has been able to deliver performance and safety equivalent to twin engine turbine aircraft that cost more to operate. Since its entry into service the PC-12’s record speaks for itself with over 7 million flight hours around the world.
Over the years a number of improvements and options were made available to the original PC-12 model which include increases in the maximum takeoff weight (so that the aircraft can carry more people and/ or cargo), new technologies in the flight deck and in the cabin, additional speed and range, and even new inflight entertainment systems. The PC-12NG (Next Generation) was unveiled in 2006, and the latest variant is the PC-12 NGX which was announced last summer.
The Latest: PC-12 NGX
The PC-12 NGX is the third generation PC-12. Powered by the Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6E-67XP, engine, it also includes a low speed propeller mode to reduce cabin noise. The new engine brings FADEC to this market segment for the first time. Short for Full Authority Digital Engine, FADEC helps maximize engine efficiency at all phases of flight through computer control. The aircraft can cruise at 290 knots true airspeed (333 mp/h or 537 km/h) and climb as high as 30,000 feet. Cabin windows on the NGX are 10% larger than on its predecessor. Flight crew benefit from the most advanced technology through Honeywell’s Advanced Cockpit Environment System.
High on Comfort and Style
BMW Designworks interior for the Pilatus PC-12 NGX.
If you think turboprops mean compromising on comfort, think again. In an executive layout designed in conjunction with BMW's Designworks, fine leather, woods, and highest quality textiles create the feel of being in a luxury automobile. There are no fewer than 6 different design configurations to choose from. As a business aircraft the PC-12 NGX can seat between 6 and 8, features a refreshment centre, a fully enclosed lavatory and a large baggage area at the rear.
The measure of any aircraft is its ability to withstand the test of time. Highly popular, owners and operators of PC-12s have found a higher rate of value retention in this well engineered aircraft.
Customer deliveries of the the PC-12 NGX are slated to commence in 2020.