A new avionics suite may not be in the offing for the
single-engine, turbine-powered Pilatus PC-12. But, beginning next year, the
entry-level business aircraft will be outfitted with $80,000 worth of
improvements that will boost the base price to an entry-level business jet-like
$2,792 million.
So revealed Tom Aniello, vp and chief marketing officer for
Pilatus Business Aircraft. Asked if the increase—the first since 2001—will have
an adverse affect on future sales, Aniello was candid. "Hopefully not. We see a
lot of our competitors raising prices 3-4% per year," he said. "We are a
premium product, but we don't want to get into jet territory." Makers of Very
Light Jets (VLJs) may argue that Pilatus has done just that.
Keeping aircraft costs down is the primary reason why
Pilatus has yet to choose an all-glass avionics system. "We don't feel an
immediate need to put flat panels in for the sake of putting flat panels in,"
Aniello explained. Pilatus is now considering lower-cost "second generation"
flat panel systems from Avidyne, Garmin, Rockwell Collins and Honeywell.
Nevertheless, the popular selling PC-12 will be enhanced.
For 2006 models the manufacturer will increase the maximum gross weight by 540
lb, for a total of 10,450 lb. The move will mandate an increase in stall speed
to 66 kts. The net effect of the higher gross weight model is a 350 nmi
increase in maximum range with three passengers and one pilot.
"You're not trading off fuel for passengers anymore,"
Aniello said confidently. The higher gross weight model is only available in
countries where FAA certifies the PC-12, he added.
Other enhancements for next year's PC-12 include new
winglets, which are derivative design from those of the PC-21 military trainer.
The winglets will provide improved crosswind control, a slight increase in
performance and a slight reduction in drag.
The winglets are packaged with a redesigned roll-control
system, which together will reduce roll-control forces by 60%. A Flettner tab
on both ailerons helps to reduce roll forces. A further reduction in drag is
accomplished with a redesigned dorsal fairing.
The next generation PC-12 will also have new articulated
Ipeco crew seats. With adjustable vertical and lumbar support, the seats are
more comfortable on long-range flights, claims the seat maker. The cabin and
navigation system of the new models will also have new LED cabin lighting.
Despite resistance by pilots to operating single-engine aircraft, Aniello says
the improved PC-12 will be more attractive to corporate flight departments—particularly
given the rising cost of fuel. Those same flight departments are becoming more
amenable to sprinkling their fleets with low-end business aircraft, he says.
