Swiss manufacturer Pilatus arrived at Orlando this week
offering several improvements to its PC-12 turboprop, effective January 2006.
In brief, they are: better performance, improved handling, increased comfort
and more reliability.
The new PC-12 offers its greater-range payload by reason of
a gross weight increase that adds 530 lbs to the useful load, increasing it to
4,130 lbs for a
PC-12 in typical executive fit. Maximum takeoff weight is now 10,450
lbs, up from 9,920.
Handling upgrades derive from improved control harmony and
new winglets. The latter, which come from technology developed for the new
PC-21 military turboprop trainer, reduce drag and improve crosswind control.
Flettner tabs have been added to the ailerons, so roll control forces have been
reduced by 60% at low speeds and 72% at higher speeds.
Crew seat changes account for the comfort improvements, with
pilots having more options to personalize their seating position. LED lighting
in the cabin improves the ambience and is more reliable.
These changes have prompted Pilatus to ramp up production
rates for next year in anticipation of increased demand. Deliveries in 2005
will total around 80, the current fleet standing at 580.
Included in these are six N-registered aircraft assigned to the
USAF's 319th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla. With the
military designation U-28A, these newly received
machines are assigned to supporting special forces such as the Army's Green
Berets and Navy SEALs. Insertion behind hostile lines is reportedly one role of
the U-28s, with Afghanistan and Iraq allegedly among the likely operational
areas.
