Pilatus PC-6 Porter Specs, Price, Pictures, & Details

Pilatus PC-6 Porter Specs, Price, Pictures, & Details. Pilatus PC-6 is a light energy turboprop single-engine aircraft designed and manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland under the Fairchild Hiller license. This aircraft is designed to execute various missions, including passenger and cargo transportation, paradropping, ambulances, desert and bush operations, search and rescue (SAR), surveillance, smuggling, goods trading, geographical analysis, and intelligence calls for surveillance air and border patrols. His take-off and landing capability (STOL) enables the aircraft to operate in all climate condition plus all terrain.

Pilatus PC-6 aircraft made their first flights in 1961 and were operated by various operators throughout the world. This aircraft has 15 variants namely PC-6/ 350, PC-6/ A, PC-6/ A1, PC-6/ A2, PC-6/ B, PC-6/ B1, PC-6B2-H2, PC- 6/ C, PC-6/ C1, PC-6/ C2-H2, PC-6/ D-H3, AU-23A peace maker, OV-12, Chiricahua UV-20A, and PC-8 Twin Porters.

Pilatus PC-6 Engine and Performance

The Pilatus PC-6 is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-27 single turboprop engine. The engine produces an output power of 410 kW (550 hp) to drive the three-bladed Hartzell HC-B3TN-3D aluminum propeller. The propeller is outfitted with anti-icing facilities and can rotate at a constant speed of 2,200 rpm. The length and diameter of the engine are 1.57 m and 0.48 m, respectively.

Pilatus PC-6 aircraft can fly with a maximum speed of 244 km/ h and a cruising speed of 232 km/ h. The kiosk speed is 107 km/ h and can go up to 331 m/ min. The aircraft has a range of 1,612 km and a service ceiling of up to 8,197 m. The aircraft’s empty weight is around 1,270 kg and the maximum take-off weight (MTOW) is 2,800 kg.

Pilatus PC-6 Specs

Pilatus PC-6 was built using semi-monocoque construction techniques. The fuselage is built with aluminum alloys and extruded. Metals used in construction are protected from corrosion by painting, painting before a rigid polyurethane-based external paint is applied. The dimensions of the PC-6 aircraft include a length of 11 m, height of 3.2 m, and wingspan of 15.87 m.

The Pilatus PC-6 landing device is outfitted with low-pressure tires, twin disc brakes, and a high absorbency undercarriage that allows the aircraft to land on rigid, rough, short, sandy, rocky, soft or muddy airfields, and remote areas. It can also be mounted skis or floating type landing gear to support aircraft operations in snow fields, glaciers, and lakes.

The aircraft is geared up with an infrared camera (FLIR), forward-looking, light and distance detection (LIDAR) and digital cameras when conducting search and rescue operations. Passenger seats in the cabin of the PC-6 aircraft may be replaced with two stretchers left wing and right side for ambulance missions. The PC-6 aircraft can accommodate ten passengers in a triple-bench configuration or seven passengers in a single seat during its operation as a passenger aircraft.

Pilatus PC-6 Cockpit and Avionics

The Pilatus PC-6 cockpit is fully integrated with the advanced Garmin G950 avionics suite. This includes the main flight display (PFD) and multifunctional display (MFD) to show flight data input, making navigation easier for pilots. The cockpit is also geared up with dual control brakes, weather radar, oxygen system, eight outlet adapters, and high frequency radio. An autopilot system installed in the cockpit reduces pilot workload through its automatic function.

The cockpit is outfitted with two seats for pilots and co-pilots or passengers. The cockpit has doors on both sides that allow pilots to hop on and board the plane quickly. The aircraft is also geared up with panoramic windows to provide clear visibility to pilots and co-pilots/ passengers.

Pilatus PC-6 Cabin and Interior

Pilatus PC-6 aircraft has a spacious and comfortable cabin with a volume of 3 m ³. The cabin can accommodate ten passengers or 1,000 kg of goods. The cabin has two large sliding doors and a trapdoor as an option for loading and unloading of goods. The trap door takes 150 kg and could be closed or opened by pilots during surveillance and skydiving operations.

This cabin has a camera installment, paracit, passenger seat, Pax cargo kit, rough crane bar and cabin ventilation with six outlets. It also combines two stretchers, nine binding points and three bench seats for different roles. The cabin may be easily converted to accomplish various surveillance operations. Seats may be removed without design changes when additional space is needed for cargo transportation.

Pilatus PC-6 Price

The price of the newest Pilatus PC-6 Porter aircraft is around US $ 1.9 million. Until 2017, Pilatus Aircraft has built 595 PC-6 aircraft plus all have been sent to various operators.