Pilatus PC-12 NG - the World’s Greatest Single Engine Turboprop

As aerospace companies globally display their newest and best at the marquee event — Aero India 2015 at Bengaluru, Pilatus occupies pride of place in the single engine aircraft category with their next generation aircraft - the PC-12 NG. The latest upgrade of the popular PC-12 has exciting new features to make the 2014-15 PC-12 NG the best PC-12 to date.

Why the PC-12 NG is the world ’s greatest single

The Pilatus PC-12 is one of the most popular turbine-powered aircraft today, having been in operation round the globe in a number of roles – executive transport, cargo, air ambulance, airline, and government special mission applications. Last year being the 20th anniversary of the aircraft’s certification, the company launched the upgraded version – the 2014 PC-12 NG which has all the hallmarks of outstanding versatility, performance, and operational flexibility, but incorporates new technology and a host of added features.

The new features added in 2014 PC-12 NG includes six new BMW Designworks USA executive interior options, a new electric landing gear system, external LED lighting, a wireless Connected Flight Deck™ system, and a Wi-Fi passenger entertainment system.

The response to the PC-12 NG as a business aircraft has been unprecedented and the showcase at Aero India 2015 is expected to give it an additional boost. The turboprop has short runway performance and is approved to land on any kind of runway. Business visitors to the airshow are bound to also appreciate that the PC-12 NG is more efficient than its jet counterparts burning up to 40 per cent less fuel per hour. That means less cost and less carbon footprint without sacrificing comfort.

The global demand for the PC-12 NG remains very strong even as Pilatus completed the 1,300th delivery last year. And this number continues to grow exponentially with approximately 65 to 100 PC-12 NG aircraft being added annually. The company is committed to continue to innovate with new features and capabilities for the PC-12, as they foresee immense future potential in this market segment.

Interesting factoid & endorsement of PC-12 NG

Mid last year, Amelia Earhart, namesake of the famous aviatrix circumnavigated the globe to become the youngest female to fly around the world in a single engine aircraft. Earhart, along with co-pilot Shane Jordan, selected the Pilatus PC-12 NG as their aircraft of choice for that arduous journey. Earhart stated, “The PC-12 NG was the perfect aircraft in which to complete this flight. Its renown, reliability and performance removed much of the inherent risk associated with a flight of this nature. And, its large cabin gave us plenty of room to stretch out and stay alert on the very long flight legs. I am delighted to report that the aircraft performed flawlessly throughout our entire 16-day journey. Over the total 24,300 miles, we did not incur a single issue to interrupt our flight plan.”