Pilatus said it made a number of changes to its PC-24 jet that have resulted in improved range and load-carrying capability. In addition, the company upgraded certain interior features aimed at improving passenger comfort and flexibility.
The company said the upgraded model now can achieve a maximum range of 2,000 nm while carrying six passengers.
The changes boost the new PC-24’s full-fuel payload by 600 pounds, allowing operators to increase the PC-24’s maximum range by 200 nm with six passengers on board. The upgraded aircraft offers a full-fuel payload of a single pilot, and an additional 1,315 pounds, and a maximum payload of 3,100 pounds.
“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 takeoff weight limit. It’s simply Swiss engineering at its best,” said Bruno Cervia, vice president of engineering for Pilatus.
Pilatus said its engineers conducted flight tests “to expand the entire envelope for the higher design weights.” As a result, the PC-24’s balanced field length at sea level and maximum takeoff weight is 3,090 feet, which allows flights from runways that are very short and even unpaved.
Changes to the PC-24’s interior include reduced ambient sound and storage areas designed to maximize the available cabin space. Pilatus partnered with Lufthansa Technik to add an integrated cabin management system that includes a 10-inch touchscreen controller with a 3D moving map, four cabin speakers with an optional subwoofer, mood lighting, USB ports, and a media storage server.
The revised cabin also offers an optional side-facing divan that is 6 feet 6 inches long and can be turned into a bed in flight.
All PC-24s from serial number 501 onward will include a system for predictive services that will automatically send key aircraft data to Pilatus to be analyzed. If necessary, the system will make recommendations to the aircraft operator.
“More range, greater payload, enhanced comfort, and increased operability were the primary focus of this major PC-24 improvement program,” said 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.”
The first PC-24 showcasing the new convertible divan will be on display at the National Business Aviation Association’s Annual Convention in Las Vegas on October 17 to 19. Deliveries of the new aircraft begin in 2024.
