Pilatus this week released an upgraded version of its prolific PC-12 single-engined turbo-prop (SETP).
Dubbed the PC-12 Pro, the new model features a redesigned cockpit, Garmin 3000 avionics including Autoland, and the latest version of the Pratt & Whitney PT6 engine.
According to Pilatus, the PC-12 Pro is one of the most advanced SETPs on the market, with avionics designed especially for Pilatus.
"Our customers want safe, reliable and the latest technology in the aircraft," said Andre Zimmerman, Pilatus' Vice President – Business Aviation at the launch event. "We have dramatically changed the cockpit: new displays, amazing resolution, zoom functions, new yokes from the PC-24 and a cursor control device that reduces workload for the pilot.
"Together with the great team at Garmin, our Pilatus engineering developed an advanced cockpit environment exactly tailored for the PC-12."
The avionics includes three large touchscreens, two 178-mm secondary screens, Pilatus own cursor control device, track-based synthetic vision and four times the random access memory (RAM) as the original G3000.
In combination with the fully automatic electronic engine and propeller control system (EPECS), the autothrottle, reduces pilot workload, optimises performance, increases fuel efficiency, ensures a quieter flying experience and protects against engine over-limit events.
Cockpit upgrades include ergonomic control yokes inspired by those in the PC-24, and improved outside visibility by removing the “direct vision” cockpit window frame.
According to Pilatus the PC-12 Pro generates fewer carbon emissions and is already suitable for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Zimmerman believes the aircraft will suit many mission profiles.
"The PC-12 was always strong in the owner-pilot world," he said, "but more and more we are seeing professional operators operating the PC-12. The versatility of the aircraft basically gives you so many missions, so everyone can operate the aircraft."
Pilatus has already certified the PC-12 Pro, and expects to deliver the first examples to customers later this year.