A closer look at the versatile Pilatus PC-24
With its “off-road capability”, the Pilatus PC-24 goes where many can’t.
Pilatus, which manufactures highperformance turboprop aircraft, has recently begun deliveries of their PC-24, which also happens to be Switzerland’s first business jet.
The PC-24 is far from being a “me too” entry into the competitive mediumlight business jet space. In fact, Pilatus proclaims that the PC-24 does not fit into any existing jet category so the aviation company has coined a new category named Super Versatile Jet or SVJ, for short.
By SVJ, Pilatus means that the PC-24 combines the versatility of a turboprop, the cabin size of a medium-light jet, and the performance of a light jet.
While impressive, what makes the PC-24 truly stand out is its uncommon capability for operating from unpaved runways, or “off-road operations” typically made up of grass or gravel.
“What a picture – the PC-24 in the toughest conditions, using an unpaved runway for the first time!” said Oscar J. Schwent, Chairman of Pilatus, after the jet made its first landing on an unpaved runway. “This sort of mission would not be conceivable without the PC-24’s rugged landing gear, clever flap systems and special wing design. The PC-24 was designed with exactly this sort of operation in mind – that’s Swiss engineering at its very best.”
Pilatus estimates that worldwide there are 10,650 paved runways of 3,130 feet in length or longer. If one needs just 2,810 feet to operate (as is the case for the PC-24 when it completes certification for offroad operations), then there are 11,700 airport options. However, if one can operate from unpaved runways the number of available airports increases to 20,000+.
In effect, the PC-24 can operate from twice as many airports as traditional business jets, translating into valuable time savings since the PC-24 can bring passengers closer to their destination and operate from less crowded airports. In many cases, landing costs are also lower at smaller airports.
A versatile craft
The PC-24’s unique off-road operations capability will benefit far more than time-strapped business people. The PC24 is expected to be a lifesaver, literally, as the plane of choice for air ambulance operations. This is helped by the inclusion of an industry standard size 4’1” x 4’3” cargo door that makes stretcher entry and exit fast and easy. Starting in 2019, the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS) will use the PC-24 for medevac missions in Australia, which will involve landing on and taking off from short, unpaved runways.
By design, the cargo door also makes the PC-24 ideal for the transportation of non-standard items such as motorbikes that would be all but impossible to transport in a similarly sized business jet.
The versatility of the Pilatus PC-24 does not come at the expense of range. Four passengers and one pilot operating under NBAA IFR reserves can travel up to 2,035 nautical miles (NM) for a mission such as Singapore to Hong Kong or Bangalore with range to spare. In a maximum passenger configuration, the PC-24 can accommodate up to 11 passengers plus pilot.
Charter operators often need to support varied missions, often with little notice from customers. The versatility of the PC-24 is further supported by the aircraft’s so-called “quick-change” capability. The PC-24 can change from an economical 11-passenger configuration to a spacious club layout in a matter of minutes.
No matter the configuration, passengers will enjoy a comfortable ride thanks to the heavily padded leather seats offset by a cherry hardwood finish. Unlike many jets of its size, the PC-24 features a fully flat floor, which further adds to the feeling of cabin spaciousness.
Another example of the PC-24’s versatility is its movable storage partition in the aft section of the aircraft, depending upon the desired mix of passengers to cargo. Whichever position the storage partition is in, passengers are able to access their cargo from the cabin or through the cargo door, eliminating the need to onload and offload cargo from within the plane. The additional benefit is that cargo is transported in the pressurised cabin, perfect for missions such as the transportation of animals.
Advanced tech specs
The PC-24 is powered by two Williams International FJ44-4A jets that each deliver 3,420 pound force. They enable the PC-24 to have a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.77 which is typical for this size of business jet. Passengers can benefit from the smooth air of FL40 in just 25 minutes after takeoff from sea level.
Up front, Pilatus features their Advanced Cockpit Environment or ACE for what is promoted as “high-tech simplicity.” Four 12-inch screens present pilots with key information as well as synthetic vision, graphical flight planning, traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS II) and more. Autothrottles further reduce pilot workload. The simplicity of the ACE enabled the PC-24 to earn singlepilot certification. This, in turn, helps operators minimise operation costs while simultaneously maximising payload.
The market is reacting positively to the PC-24. All 23 delivery positions for 2018 are taken and Pilatus will not begin to accept new orders until 2019.
If operators maximise the versatility of their Pilatus PC-24 jets, they could be forgiven if they inadvertently believe that SVJ is short for super valuable jet.