Features
Business Aviation
Pilatus extends payload, interior options for PC-24
October 10, 2023 By Wings Staff
The Pilatus PC-24 upgrade includes over 1,000 modifications throughout the aircraft. (Photo: Pilatus) Beginning with new aircraft deliveries in 2024, 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 (3,704 kilometres). Pilatus also incorporated an array of new interior amenities, including a large side-facing divan which can be converted into a bed!
The new PC-24, which will be on display at NBAA in Las Vegas from October 17 to 19, features a 600 pound (272 kg) increase in full fuel payload and maximum payload capacity. This enables operators to increase the PC-24’s maximum range by 200 nm (370 km) with six passengers on board. The PC-24 now offers a full fuel payload of a single pilot plus 1,315 pounds (596 kg) and features a class-leading maximum payload capacity of 3,100 pounds (1,406 kg).
“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,” Bruno Cervia, Vice President of Engineering for Pilatus. “It’s simply Swiss engineering at its best”.
Pilatus explains its engineers 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 3,090 feet (941 metres), allowing the use of very short and even unpaved runways.
The interior of the new PC-24, which Pilatus notes as already providing the largest cabin volume in its class, received a number of enhancements to improve overall passenger flight experience. Ambient sound levels have been reduced through optimization of passenger service unit ducting, noise absorbing panels, and tuned engine accessory air intake ducts. Cabinetry, storage areas, and the Welcome Center have all been refined to optimize the vast amount of space in the PC-24’s cabin.
Pilatus partnered with Lufthansa Technik to incorporate a new integrated Cabin Management System (iCMS) featuring a 10 inch touch screen controller with 3D moving map, four high fidelity cabin speakers with a sub-woofer option, mood lighting, USB ports, and a media storage server.
Pilatus is also offering the option of a large side-facing divan that is 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 metres) in length, which can be converted into a bed in flight.
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 analyzed and, if necessary, a predictive recommendation is made to the operator.
“More range, greater payload, enhanced comfort and increased operability were the primary focus of this major PC-24 improvement program,” said Pilatus CEO Markus Bucher. “The PC-24 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 to deliver the best PC-24 ever.”
