Julian Moxon/PARIS
SWISS general-aviation manufacturer Pilatus is introducing a range of factory options to improve the payload and range performance of the PC-12 business and utility aircraft.
The first option in the Pilatus Power Products range became available on new production aircraft in July, with retrofit kits available from December. This in- creases the maximum payload by up to 35%, to 1,500kg, by introducing a new 30° flap setting which allows the higher-weight take-off within the original 610m (2,000ft) runway. "We can now fly anywhere with full fuel and passengers with no restrictions," says Pilatus.
Other changes include a reinforced landing gear, larger tyres and modifications to the flight-control software and hardware. The improvements, says the company, are aimed particularly at the commercial and corporate markets, enabling the PC-12 to carry more passengers, or fuel, with a maximum range in nine-seat configuration of 3,515km (1,900nm).
Source: Flight International
