PILATUS PC24 JET UPGRADES
Pilatus has made over 1,000 modifications to its Super Versatile Jet.
Pilatus showcased its new PC24 at last October’s National Business Aviation Association’s Annual Convention in Las Vegas, where visitors were able to get up close and personal with the upgraded Super Versatile Jet and learn more about its improved range, extra payload and even more possibilities.
PAYLOAD
The new PC-24 features a 272 kg (600 pound) increase in full fuel payload and maximum payload capacity. This enables the aircraft to achieve a maximum range of 2,000 nautical miles (3,704 kilometers) with six passengers on board.
Bruno Cervia, Vice President of Engineering for Pilatus, explained: “The payload increase was achieved by refining both wing and fuselage structural elements to reduce the airframe empty weight while simultaneously increasing the maximum gross take-off weight limit. It’s simply Swiss engineering at its best”.
Optimisation of the passenger service unit ducting, noise absorbing panels, and tuned engine accessory air intake ducts have reduced ambient sounds levels.
Pilatus engineers also conducted an extensive flight test campaign to expand the entire envelope for the higher design weights. At the PC-24’s maximum take-off weight, balanced field length at sea level is only 941 metres (3,090 feet), allowing the use of very short and even unpaved runways.
CABIN UPGRADES
Interior-wise, the new PC-24 has also been given several enhancements to improve the overall passenger flight experience. Optimisation of the passenger service unit ducting, noise absorbing panels, and tuned engine accessory air intake ducts have reduced ambient sounds levels. In turn, these upgrades make the most of the cabin’s high fidelity speakers with a sub-woofer option. These are linked to a new integrated Cabin Management System (iCMS) featuring a 10” touchscreen controller with 3D moving map along with mood lighting, USB ports, and a media storage server.
More Range: Pilatus has extended the payload-range capability of its Super Versatile Jet to achieve a maximum range with six passengers of 2,000 nautical miles.
For rest, Pilatus is offering the option of a large side-facing divan that is 1.98 metres (6 feet 6 inches) in length and can be converted into a bed in flight – a first for this class of business aircraft.
PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE
All PC-24s from serial number 501 onwards will be equipped with a new feature to enable predictive services. The automated data transmission of key aircraft data directly to Pilatus upon landing will be analysed and, if necessary, a predictive recommendation is made to the operator.
Automated data transmission: All PC-24s from serial number 501 onwards will be equipped with a new feature to enable predictive services.
CEO Markus Bucher concludes: “More range, greater payload, enhanced comfort and increased operability were the primary focus of this improvement program. The upgrade includes over 1,000 modifications throughout the aircraft. Yet again, we went all the way to the limits of what is possible, making maximum use of our engineering capabilities. With this major upgrade, there is no other business jet on the market capable of consistently performing like our Super Versatile Jet”.
