Introducing
Pilatus Aircraft Limited
1939 - 2000
Company and Product Information
The Company and its Activities
Aircraft Development and Production
Pilatus was founded in 1939 to support aircraft of the Swiss Air Force but soon started to design and produce aircraft for general sale. Since then a variety of aircraft have been built and delivered, ranging from the P-2 and P-3 military trainers, the B4 all-metal glider, the PC-6 PORTER, to today's products.
Currently in production in the pilot training field are the highly successful PC-7 TURBO TRAINER, the PC-7 MkII M TURBO TRAINER and the new PC-9M ADVANCED TURBO TRAINER. These products represent the best range of pilot training aircraft and reflect the high standard of quality production, and performance for which Swiss products are famous.
Pilatus is the only completely privately owned aircraft manufacturer of this class in the world, and competes in a market where government subsidies and initial large home orders are common. In spite of a continuously increasing number of competitive aircraft, Pilatus has maintained an increasing share of the trainer market because of its approach to customer requirements and its quality standards.
The merits of the Pilatus turboprop trainer concept has been recognised. The PC-9M, the latest version of the successful PC-9, was the aircraft that convinced training commands of the turboprop advantages for a training aircraft. This has been confirmed by major air forces selecting the PC-9M as their new trainer aircraft, bringing the total number of Pilatus turbo trainers to over 750 in 30 countries world-wide.
In the utility and business aircraft field, the PC-6 TURBO PORTER® STOL/UTILITY aircraft is now complemented by the new PC-12 BUSINESS/UTILITY TURBOPROP. The PC-12, in its various forms extends the Pilatus range of commercial aircraft up into the executive level, fulfilling the increasing demand for more versatile services by this class of aircraft.
Consistent with Pilatus' forward looking approach to its products, the PC-12 EAGLE surveillance and the PC-12M multi-mission aircraft have been developed based on the advanced PC-12 airframe to extend the product range into the area of government and military operations.
Third-Party Maintenance
The Maintenance Business Unit provides a wide range of customer-oriented maintenance and aeronautical services under the most competitive conditions to an international clientele through the Maintenance Division in Stans and TSA Transairco S.A. in Geneva, Bern, and Neuchâtel.
Fully trained and licensed engineers and technicians undertake heavy maintenance, structural repair, and modification work as well as paint shop work on a wide range of civil and military aircraft including large business jets and helicopters. The workshops are fully equipped to carry out work on different types of jet and turboprop engines, avionics, and instruments as well as mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment. All maintenance work is carried out according to Original Equipment Manufacturer's (OEM) specifications and in full compliance with FAR and JAR regulations.
Technical field support, executive handling, spare parts sales, and new and second-hand aircraft sales complement the services.
The Pilatus Aircraft Group
TSA Transairco S.A., Geneva Airport, Switzerland
TSA Transairco S.A., is a European leader in the field of business aircraft maintenance and sales, having an origin, which dates back to 1947. Since April 1997 the company is part of the Pilatus Aircraft Group and is conveniently based at Geneva International Airport. It also operates facilities at Bern and Neuchâtel airports.
Over the years TSA has regularly expanded its activities. At present they cover the following main areas: maintenance, modification and retrofit programs, aircraft and spares sales, refuelling services, and executive ground handling.
With customers from all over the world, the company has gained a wide expertise and its "Swiss Quality" high technology is internationally renowned. Therefore, TSA has been appointed by numerous OEMs as a Major Service Centre; also by Dassault Aviation for the full line of Falcon aircraft; by Garrett for TFE 731 engines and Falcon 20 retrofit installations; by Pilatus for the PC-12, and many other equipment manufacturers. The company is approved by several foreign airworthiness authorities including JAA and FAR for the full range of maintenance activities.
The main hangar can accommodate business aircraft up to the size of the Falcon 900 or the GIV. With over 5000 square meters, it includes comprehensive repair and overhaul workshops for avionics, electronics, engines, hydraulic systems, and airframes as well as a large, sophisticated paint shop.
Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd., Denver, Colorado
Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd. founded in 1996, is the Pilatus subsidiary for the North and South American General Aviation markets. At its central US location at Jefferson County Airport near Denver, Colorado, Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd. offers, together with eight regional Pilatus Centres, around the clock support for all PC-12s in North and South America. Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd. is also responsible for all PC-12 sales in this region.
Pilatus Australia Pty Ltd., Canberra, Australia
Pilatus Australia Pty Ltd., located in Canberra was opened in 1998 to cover that market region and to support our customers and products in that area.
Pilatus Representation
Pilatus Far East Office, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The Pilatus Far East Office, located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia has been in operation since 1991. This office was established to provide a regional contact for our Far East customers and is responsible for the support and marketing of the Pilatus products and services.
The Pilatus Aircraft Family
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. is Switzerland's major aircraft manufacturer specialising in the development and production of high performance, single-engine training, STOL, business, utility, and special mission aircraft. We are pleased to provide information on our current aircraft:
The PC-7, the world's most widely distributed turbo trainer, continues to build on its proven success. Now an accepted trainer within the NATO group of countries, the PC-7 continues to produce top-class pilots from ab initio through basic phase with speed, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
The PC-7 MkII M complements and extends the existing range of Pilatus trainers designed for all aspects of ab initio through basic and into advanced flying training. The PC-7 MkII M utilises the best elements of the successful PC-7 and PC-9M aircraft to provide a new level of equipment, performance, and cost-effectiveness in this class.
The PC-9M Advanced Turbo Trainer continues to represent Pilatus at the top of the turbo trainer class. The PC-9M combines the highest performance and excellent handling characteristics in a turbo trainer aircraft. With its advanced instrumentation, proven reliability and cost-effectiveness, it offers outstanding training effectiveness resulting in lower cost per pilot trained than its competitors. The PC-9M was the aircraft, which convinced training commands of the advantages of the turboprop for a training aircraft. This has been confirmed by major air forces selecting the PC-9M as their new trainer aircraft.
The PC-6 Turbo Porter® is a rugged high wing, fixed undercarriage aircraft designed for rough work in hostile environments including operation on skis and on normal floats or amphibious. With its highly reliable Pratt & Whitney PT6A-27 turboprop engine, it has the power and STOL capability to operate in many areas in direct competition with more costly helicopter services, doing heavy-duty work throughout the world.
The PC-12, Pilatus' entry into the high performance business, commuter, and utility market, has immediately found a prominent place in the market. The PC-12, with its 330 cubic foot cabin, is able to operate from soft and short fields and is certified for single-pilot operation and commercial operation for fare-paying passengers. The number of aircraft sold increases every month and includes customers such as the Royal Australian Flying Doctor Service of Australia who recognise the advantages of this versatile aircraft. Since certification and delivery of the first production aircraft in 1994, PC-12s have been operating in all major aviation markets of the world.
This exciting derivative of the PC-12 has been developed in co-operation with world leading electronic sensors and systems manufacturers. The PC-12 Eagle is a versatile, multi-mission platform equipped for long-range surveillance operations and environmental monitoring at an affordable cost.
Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer
The
PILATUS PC-7, the world's most widely distributed turbo trainer, continues
to build on its proven success. Now an accepted trainer within the NATO
group of countries, the PC-7 continues to produce top-class pilots from ab
initio through to the advanced phase with performance, reliability, and
cost-effectiveness.
With almost 450 aircraft in operation, including 19 military customers, the PC-7 has achieved well over 1,000,000 flying hours. With an outstanding record of reliability, and withstanding world-wide scrutiny by potential customers against the many training aircraft available today, the PC-7 emerges as the most cost-effective trainer in its class, offering:
- low acquisition cost
- low operating costs
- excellent training effectiveness
- unmatched reliability and ease of maintenance
- long life design
- the highest quality of engineering.
- world-wide support network
The PC-7 embodies Pilatus' tandem cockpit philosophy, which provides maximum dual control and indication for all systems, mechanical, electrical, and avionics, giving the trainee pilot single seat 'feel' and visibility. He experiences full command, as in front-line aircraft, with complete override facility for the instructor.
Pilatus PC-7 MkII M Turbo Trainer
The
PC-7 MkII M is Pilatus' most recent trainer aircraft solution. To meet
future market demands, Pilatus used its considerable knowledge and
experience, gained from the PC-7 and PC-9 trainer aircraft, to produce this
new trainer which represents a new concept in meeting customer requirements.
It complements and extends the existing range of Pilatus trainers designed
for all aspects of ab initio through basic, and into advanced flying
training.
The PC-7 MkII M utilises the best elements of the successful PC-7 and PC-9 aircraft to provide a new level of equipment, performance, and cost-effectiveness in this class. The development of this aircraft and its introduction into the world trainer market was accelerated to allow it to compete for the new trainer aircraft for the South African Air Force. The PC-7 MkII M made an auspicious debut when it was selected, against considerable opposition, with an order for 60 aircraft to replace the outgoing T-6 Harvards.
To confirm the merits of Pilatus' trainer aircraft concept, the PC-7 MkII M is now operating in two countries and continues to generate increasing interest in the field of training aircraft.
Pilatus PC-9M Advanced Turbo Trainer
The
Pilatus PC-9M Advanced Turbo Trainer, the latest version of the successful
PC-9, continues to represent the top of the turbo trainer class offering the
highest performance, excellent handling characteristics, advanced
instrumentation, and a greater range in training effectiveness (further into
the jet trainer area) than its competitors. With over 240 aircraft sold to
thirteen customers, including twelve military customers, the PC-9M is well
established as the basic through to advanced pilot trainer.
The PC-9M is built upon a solid foundation of experience and with the PC-7 and PC-7MkII M it shares high manufacturing quality, high reliability and low operating cost. The policy of continuous development ensures that Pilatus trainers fulfil current and future complex flight training requirements further into the jet training area, with unbeatable efficiency but at a fraction of the cost.
The PC-9M was the aircraft which convinced training commands of the turboprop advantages for a training aircraft. This has been confirmed by major air forces selecting the PC-9 variant as their new trainer aircraft.
Besides the pilot training role, the PC-9M is offered as a target towing aircraft. The PC-9M RM24 Target Towing System has been designed as a dedicated system and combines a highly developed and proven modern turboprop aircraft with state-of-the-art equipment for target deployment and control, as well as for ground operations.
As part of the continuous adaptation for its task, the PC-9M features modern avionics including a Head Up Display (HUD). The PC-9M aircraft also incorporates a variety of aerodynamic changes resulting in even better handling characteristics than the original PC-9.
Designed to fit the needs of future air forces, the PC-9M offers jet-like capabilities at turboprop costs and with Pilatus "Swiss made" precision and quality.
Ground Based Training System
The
Pilatus Ground Based Training System is the result of in-depth analysis
conducted together with the customer. Tailored to the customer's
requirements, it integrates different aspects and trades of training. The
Pilatus Ground Based Training System is complete and unique because it's
already in operation with customers.
The Training Documentation forms an important part of the Pilatus ground
based training system. It matches the requirements defined for the training
of pilots, engineers, and instructors. The customer's training authority
together with Pilatus, design the pilot training syllabus that forms the
baseline for the documents and training equipment.
Synthetic Training Equipment complements the Pilatus ground based training
system. It reflects the configuration of the training aircraft and it is
tailored to the customer's resources and requirements to fully integrate
with the other training elements.
Procedure Trainers and Simulators complement pilot and technician training. Independent from many environmental restrictions, the training and drill can be performed at low cost and risk. The procedure trainer system uses training equipment that copies the aircraft environment to allow for realistic training.
Computer Based Training supports conventional classes in pilot and technician training and relieves ground instructors considerably. The knowledge transfer is consistent at high levels. The design of the courseware sets equal standards for all trainees and allows the students to proceed at their own pace. A classroom management system effectively supports the management of different courses and provides a variety of activity and performance reports.
Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter®
The
world famous Pilatus PC-6 is still as popular as ever and continues to
deserve its reputation. Currently the PC-6 is enjoying a "boom" period with
operators who are often working in difficult environments requiring STOL
capabilities and who are looking for more flexibility of services with low
cost and high reliability.
The PC-6 Turbo Porter® is a robust high-wing aircraft designed for rough work in hostile environments. With its highly reliable single Pratt & Whitney PT6A-27 turboprop engine, it has the power and STOL capability to operate in many areas in direct competition with more costly helicopter services.
Over 530 PC-6s operate throughout the world. In many countries these aircraft are operating under the most severe conditions, from mountain areas to desert, Polar Regions to rain forest. The PC-6 is being operated from unprepared airstrips in many areas considered inaccessible to most fixed-wing aircraft. Even in difficult flying conditions such as "hot and high", the Turbo Porter® is a top performer.
The PC-6's success is due to continuous development providing operators with the flexibility of choice or conversion between roles. These include passenger and/or cargo transport, supply and paradropping, photographic and aerial survey, forward support, agricultural work, search and rescue, ambulance, and a variety of other missions. In addition the PC-6 is certified to operate on amphibious or normal floats and also on skis.
Pilatus PC-12 Corporate Commuter and Utility Turboprop
The
PC-12, Pilatus' entry into the high performance business and utility market,
has found a prominent place in the market. PC-12s have been sold to
customers all over the world and the number of aircraft sold monthly
necessitated an increase in the rate of production. A very wide range of
customers such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, airline's
and other commercial operators, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and of
course many corporate operators recognise the many advantages of this
versatile aircraft in providing cost-effective, reliable air transport.
Production rates have recently increased to five aircraft per month.
The PC-12 with its 330 cubic foot cabin is able to operate from short fields and is certified for single-pilot commercial IFR operation. Propulsion is by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B 1,605 shp turboprop engine, flat rated to 1,200 shp which enables the aircraft to climb to 30,000 feet and delivers a cruise speed of 270 KTAS. Maximum range is over 2,000 nm (3,700 km) with VFR reserves.
The PC-12's large, pressurised cabin can accommodate up to nine passengers, can carry cargo, or a combination of both. Alternatively, six passengers can be seated in first class comfort in the executive configuration creating the perfect environment for business travel. The aircraft includes a complete IFR avionics installation, EFIS instruments, auto-flight system, full de-icing equipment, and a large rear cargo door. The easy access to the large cabin is much appreciated by all the air ambulance operators.
PC-12 EAGLE Modular Long Range Sensor Surveillance System
Taking
advantage of the PC-12's successful new concept, Pilatus has developed a
derivative, the PC-12 EAGLE Surveillance Aircraft, which is designed to
reduce the cost of high-quality surveillance.
The prime design features are stand-off surveillance missions and target designation in low-to-medium-intensity operations or peacekeeping missions, as well as civil applications such as customs, police, environmental, and coastal missions.
Cruising at speeds up to 250 KTAS and with an endurance up to eight hours, the PC-12 EAGLE, pressurised for high altitude survey, is certified for 30,000 ft operation. The 14 ft 9 in long modular sensor payload underbelly pod can house several sensor systems. In addition, the aircraft can be fitted with Infra-Red / Electro-Optic (IR/EO) Sensors, Infrared Line Scanners, Multi-Spectral Sensors and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). The SAR mode provides real time, all weather, high resolution imaging of large surveyed areas enabling operations such as detailed landscape analysis, monitoring of forest and agriculture, classifying trees and assessment of environmental damage. Long-range sensors such as COMINT and ELINT also form part of the EAGLE's payload.
The aircraft can be configured with one to three workstations, depending on system requirement, and an additional seat for an observer/instructor. The consoles provide multi-sensor fusion information and complex graphic overlays combined with digital maps for tactical situation awareness on high-resolution colour LCD monitors.
The EAGLE is adaptable for several mission requirements and can be easily converted for cargo, combined passenger/cargo, VIP transport, Medevac, Liaison transport, etc., in less than five hours.
The PC-12 Eagle offers this superior mission capability and flexibility at much lower acquisition and operating costs in this area of the aircraft market.
PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD
P.O. Box 992, 6371 Stans
Switzerland.
Tel: +41 41 619 61 11
Fax: +41 41 610 33 51
www.pilatus-aircraft.com
Ten Alps Communications Ltd t/a Sovereign Publications
Copyright ©
2008 Sovereign Publications