FIRST DELIVERY OF PILATUS PC-12 NGX

In a week Pilatus Aircraft plans to deliver first Pilatus PC-12 NGX to its owner. In October 2019 Pilatus presented its new model of legendary PC-12 family. Starting from April 2020 Pilatus Aircraft plans to produce only PC-12 NGX and stop production of Pilatus PC-12/47E (NG).

A new engine is installed on PC-12 NGX, that produces 5% more power. Also, a new digital engine control system is used (FADEC), that makes work of pilots a bit easier and sets most optimal engine operating regime. New engine increased maximum cruise speed, decreased time of climb-up and reduced the necessary runway length, making it possible to operate to even more airports word-wide. Engineers also introduced new engine operating regime - Low Speed Prop. In this regime rotations per minute are decreased when cruising and this helps to reduce noise level in passenger cabin. Fuel system was also re-worked. On PC-12 NGX fuel is supplied to the engine after being heated by engine oil via special double circuit system. This makes possible not to use special fuel additives.

On-board avionic system was also updated. For example, new option of “smart landing” was introduced. When this mode is used auto flight control system handles some parameters while pilots can focus on other aspects of flight. Previously such system was installed only on heavy private jets.

Passenger cabin is very much similar in terms of concept and design to cabin of flagship model Pilatus PC-24. Passenger seat anatomy was re-worked, seats became higher and now can be transformed to flat position close to normal bed. Side panels were improved to leave more space for the passenger’s head.