The Pilatus PC-24 rolled out onto a Swiss flag – Photo: Pilatus
On August 1st of this year, Pilatus’ clean-sheet jet aircraft, the PC-24, rolled out of the hangar with a procession of twenty-four horses leading the charge. The horse theme was chosen as this aircraft is being marketed as a “workhorse”.
A side view of the Pilatus PC-24 – Photo: Pilatus
The PC-24 may look like a standard medium-light jet (think smaller Cessna Citations if you are unfamiliar with the term), but that is where the similarities end.
Marketed as a “Super Versatile Jet”, the PC-24 is the only medium-light jet aircraft that can do what small turboprops can; for instance, land on unprepared airfields. It is also the only corporate-class aircraft that comes standard with a cargo door.
A rendering of the large cargo door being opened at a simulated Australian cattle station – Image: Pilatus
This is an aircraft designed for speed and utility that doesn’t really face any external threats to its direct market.
Yes, as a medium-light jet, it faces pressures from the more established players, but the product differentiation makes this aircraft much more attractive to any turbine operators looking to maintain their operational posture, as well as procure aircraft with the capabilities and speeds only a pure-jet aircraft can provide.
A rendering of a Pilatus PC-24 doing what sets it apart: landing on an improvised field – Image: Pilatus
The aircraft, one of three test frames, is expected to take flight next spring. Deliveries to customers are expected to commence in 2017, following final certification.
| Bernie Leighton – Managing Correspondent Bernie has traveled around the world to learn about, experience & photograph different types of planes. Bernie will go anywhere to fly on anything. He spent four years in Australia learning about how to run an airline, while putting his learning into practice by mileage running around the world. You can usually find Bernie in his natural habitat: an airport. @PowerToTheThird | Flickr |
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