Monday, at the National Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas, Pilatus launched a new version of its versatile single-engine turboprop, the PC-12 NGX.
The brand-new PC-12 NGX incorporates an improved engine, smarter avionics and a completely redesigned cabin with larger windows, making this third generation of the PC-12 airframe the most advanced single-engine turboprop ever. Building on the experience gathered from the worldwide PC-12 fleet of over 1,700 aircraft with more than seven million flight hours plus Pilatus industry-leading support, the new PC-12 NGX brings the latest technology to the turboprop market.
Proven engine technology with digital control
Single-engine turboprop operation demands a proven powerplant: at the heart of the new PC-12 NGX is the PT6E-67XP turboprop engine by Pratt & Whitney Canada. This improved engine features an Electronic Propeller and Engine Control System including Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) – a worldwide first in this market segment. In addition, the new propeller low speed mode results in a significant reduction in cabin noise for great passenger comfort. The new turboprop engine enables the PC-12 NGX to achieve a maximum cruise speed of 290 KTAS (537 kilometres per hour). The PC-12 NGX also adds advanced features like Prist-free fuel operation.
Smart cockpit environment
The PC-12 NGX boasts a range of new features for the pilot: the Advanced Cockpit Environment (ACE) System by Honeywell as inspired by the PC-24 provides enhanced avionics. In another first for the segment, Pilatus combines the power of a cursor control device with the versatility of a smart touch screen controller in a truly professional flight deck. The digital autothrottle, i.e. automatic thrust adjustment, reduces pilot workload for greater safety and ensures automatic power optimisation in every phase of flight.
New cabin with larger windows
The cabin windows have been enlarged by ten percent to enhance the PC-12 NGX’s passenger experience and deliver more natural light. The rectangular shape of the new windows, also adapted from the PC-24, and dark windshield surround trim create a distinctive ramp presence for the PC-12 NGX.
The completely redesigned cabin comes in six different BMW Designworks’ interiors. The especially developed extremely light passenger seats offer optimum ergonomics with full-recline capability if required. The seats are arranged to provide maximum freedom of movement with more headroom thanks to the redesigned headliner. The air-conditioning system delivers better and quieter air distribution.
Reduced operating cost
With the new PC-12 NGX, scheduled maintenance intervals have been extended to 600 flight hours, which provides significant cost savings. The time-between-overhaul period has also been increased from 4,000 to 5,000 hours, thereby reducing the cost of operating the PC-12 NGX even further, making it the undisputed leader in its class.
Speaking at the presentation in Las Vegas, Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus, stated: “We are excited to reveal the new PC-12 NGX today. To maintain the PC-12’s leadership in the general aviation marketplace, we continuously seek innovative solutions which benefit the safety, comfort and productivity of our customers. The PC-12 NGX is a showcase for the advanced technology collaboration between Pilatus, Pratt & Whitney Canada, and Honeywell. Together, we took the best, and made it even better. What’s more, our customers do not have to wait years into the future to enjoy these benefits, the PC-12 NGX is here today.” Base price of the PC-12 NGX in 2020 is 4,390,000 US dollars, with typically equipped executive-configured aircraft priced at 5,369,000 US dollars.
