Quantcast

Evolution of Pilatus PC-12: A look at its six key variants

Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
Jetstar Faces Major Backlash as Nationwide System Outage Causes Travel Chaos, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Flights Across the Australian Airline Industry
Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands
Downgraded on a flight? Take these simple but important steps to get your money back
Delta Offers Over $2 Million to CRJ Crash Passengers
Boeing Delays Continue for Alaska, Hawaiian
Hong Kong Airlines launches daily Sydney flights
Airline to launch new bunk beds in economy on long-haul flights next year
How Airline Employees Are Coping After Deadly Washington Crash
Major airline reverses in-flight menu change amid outcry
Evolution of Pilatus PC-12: A look at its six key variants
Policy
Webp 5r3vc2svdh8ibaxk8gr8iutw0za2
Simple Flying | Simple Flying

The Pilatus PC-12, a turboprop single-engine aircraft from Swiss manufacturer Pilatus, has evolved through various production variants since its introduction in 1991. Initially launched as the PC-12/41, the model set the foundation for future developments. The aircraft is known for its pressurized cabin and capacity of 7 to 11 passengers, including crew. It serves multiple roles, such as private and corporate transport, government and military use, air ambulance services, and operations by small regional airlines.

Pilatus introduced significant changes with each variant. The PC-12/45 saw an increase in Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW), moving from 9,039 lbs (4,100 kg) to 9,931 lbs (4,500 kg). This adjustment was made following customer feedback for higher payload capacity. The subsequent PC-12/47 continued this trend with an MTOW increase to 10,450 lb (4,740 kg), along with enhancements like larger winglets and updated avionics.

In March 2008, the Pilatus PC-12 NG was certified featuring an upgraded Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67P engine that provided a 15% power boost. This led to improved climb performance and increased cruise speed. The variant also introduced a composite five-blade propeller and advanced Honeywell Primus Apex glass cockpit technology.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The latest model in the series is the Pilatus PC-12 NGX released in October 2019. It incorporates a new PT6E-67XP engine offering further power increases and advanced digital control features like auto-throttle. Enhancements include updated Honeywell avionics and redesigned cabin features.

Additionally, specialized models such as the Pilatus PC-12M Spectre serve paramilitary missions with modifications for observer stations and cargo operations. Meanwhile, the U.S. military employs the U-28A Draco designation for its special operations aircraft based on the PC-12/45 variant.

Overall over two thousand units have been built since production began in 1991.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

United Airlines has announced the issuance of travel waivers for passengers whose flights were affected by closures at London Heathrow Airport.

Apr 2, 2025

ITA Airways announced that flight AZ806 managed to land safely after a brief hold due to nearby missile activity.

Apr 2, 2025

EVA Air has announced the reinstatement of its Premium Economy Class on the Seattle route, with three weekly flights scheduled from March 8 through July 27.

Apr 2, 2025

Emirates Airlines has announced the launch of a new door-to-door delivery service called 'Very Important Parcels' (VIPs), promising the same level of care as provided to its passengers.

Apr 2, 2025

Cargolux has announced the transportation of two lions, Tsar and Jamil, from captivity in Ukraine to a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa.

Apr 2, 2025

Hainan Airlines announced that its Beijing–Oslo flight HU769 landed successfully in Norway.

Apr 2, 2025