The PC12 is a triumph for the Pilatus design team. It combines high speed, high altitude, pressurised flight, with short takeoff and landing abilities the envy of many. With varied tasks including corporate travel, cargo, survey, military surveillance and aerial ambulance, the PC12 has no peers – only wannabes.
Why not have a model of one! In this scale, the model is impressive and uncomplicated. There is room to move around inside its huge fuselage and you can detail it to your heart’s content.
Designed to be powered by an electric motor, and fitted with retracts and flaps, the PC12 can be dressed to impress.
You’ll love it!
Laser-cut short kits are available. Just email us for details.
| Specifications | |
| Wingspan | 1005mm |
| Length | 900mm |
| Motor | .15 class |
| Battery | 3 cell |
| ESC | 20-40 Amp |
| Channels | 6 |
| Servos | 6 |
Pilatus PC-12 – Design, Development, Production and Performance
The Pilatus PC-12 is a pressurised, single-engine turboprop utility and executive aircraft designed and manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. of Stans, Switzerland. Since entering service in 1994, it has become the world’s most successful pressurised single-engine turboprop, with more than 2,000 aircraft built by 2023. Its unique combination of speed, payload, short-field performance and a large cargo door has made it popular with corporate operators, air ambulance services, regional airlines, military operators and government agencies worldwide.
Origins
During the mid-1980s, Pilatus recognised a market opportunity for an aircraft that combined the operating economy of a turboprop with the comfort and capability of a light business aircraft.
The design objectives were:
- pressurised cabin
- single-pilot certification
- low operating costs
- excellent STOL capability
- large freight door
- executive comfort
- operation from short and unsealed runways
Development officially began in 1987. Unlike previous Pilatus aircraft, which were primarily military trainers or utility aircraft, the PC-12 was intended from the outset as a multi-role aircraft equally suited to executive transport, cargo operations and special missions.
Development
The prototype first flew on:
31 May 1991
Certification milestones were:
- Swiss certification: 30 March 1994
- FAA certification: 15 June 1994
- Entry into service: 1994
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) of Australia became the launch customer, demonstrating the aircraft’s suitability for aeromedical operations in remote environments.
Design Philosophy
The PC-12 was designed to bridge the gap between conventional utility aircraft and light business jets by offering:
- high cruise speed
- exceptional fuel efficiency
- short-field capability
- flexible cabin layouts
- low maintenance costs
- excellent dispatch reliability
- single-engine simplicity with turbine reliability
The aircraft was intended to replace a variety of older piston twins and turboprops while providing jet-like cabin comfort.
Airframe Design
Wing
The PC-12 features a cantilever low wing with moderate taper.
Key features include:
- all-metal construction
- high aspect ratio
- large Fowler flaps
- electrically operated trim
- integral fuel tanks
The wing was designed to provide:
- efficient high-speed cruise
- excellent low-speed handling
- good fuel economy
- strong STOL performance
Fuselage
The fuselage is an all-metal semi-monocoque structure.
Distinctive features include:
- fully pressurised cabin
- flat floor
- large aft cargo door
- executive or commuter interiors
- external baggage compartment
The cargo door measures approximately 1.35 × 1.32 metres, allowing bulky freight, medical equipment and even motorcycles or aircraft engines to be loaded without dismantling.
Cabin
One of the aircraft’s greatest strengths is its adaptable cabin.
Typical configurations include:
- executive transport (6–8 passengers)
- commuter airline (up to 9 passengers)
- air ambulance
- cargo
- mixed passenger/freight
- surveillance
- military transport
The cabin volume is among the largest in its class.
Cockpit
Successive generations of the PC-12 have featured increasingly sophisticated avionics.
Early aircraft were equipped with:
- EFIS flight displays
- dual flight management systems
- integrated autopilot
Later PC-12 NG models introduced:
- Honeywell Primus Apex integrated avionics
The latest PC-12 PRO incorporates the Advanced Cockpit Environment (ACE), powered by Garmin, featuring:
- three 14-inch touchscreen primary displays
- two 7-inch touchscreen secondary displays
- integrated autothrottle
- Garmin Autoland
- synthetic vision
- emergency descent mode
- automatic flight control enhancements.
Landing Gear
The aircraft uses a retractable tricycle undercarriage.
Features include:
- trailing-link main landing gear
- steerable nosewheel
- hydraulic braking system
- operation from gravel and grass strips
The robust undercarriage enables operations from semi-prepared runways rarely accessible to executive aircraft.
Powerplant
All production variants are powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop.
Early Models
PT6A-67B
- 1,200 shp thermodynamic rating
- flat-rated to approximately 1,065 shp for take-off
PC-12 NG
PT6A-67P
- improved performance
- enhanced digital engine monitoring
PC-12 NGX
PT6E-67XP
Features include:
- full-authority digital engine control (FADEC)
- automatic power management
- 5,000-hour TBO
- improved fuel efficiency
- reduced pilot workload
The engine drives a five-bladed Hartzell composite propeller on recent variants.
Aerodynamic Design
The PC-12 combines efficient cruise performance with impressive short-field capability through:
- high-lift Fowler flaps
- efficient wing planform
- streamlined fuselage
- powerful PT6 engine
- relatively low wing loading
The aircraft is capable of operating from runways shorter than many light business jets require while maintaining cruise speeds approaching 290 knots.
Structural Design
Construction consists primarily of:
- aluminium alloy semi-monocoque fuselage
- fail-safe wing structure
- corrosion-resistant materials
- composite fairings and secondary structures
The airframe has been designed for intensive commercial utilisation with long fatigue life and straightforward maintenance access.
Production
Manufacturer:
- Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.
Production location:
- Stans, Switzerland
Development commenced:
- 1987
First flight:
- 31 May 1991
Certification:
- 1994
Production status:
- Still in production
Aircraft built:
- More than 2,000 (delivered by May 2023).
Major Variants
| Variant | Description |
|---|---|
| PC-12/41 | Original production model |
| PC-12/45 | Increased maximum take-off weight |
| PC-12/47 | Structural improvements and higher weights |
| PC-12 NG | Honeywell Primus Apex avionics |
| PC-12 NGX | PT6E engine, FADEC, autothrottle, improved cabin |
| PC-12 PRO | Garmin ACE cockpit with advanced automation and safety systems |
Operational Roles
The PC-12 has been employed in:
- executive transport
- charter operations
- regional airline services
- cargo transport
- aeromedical evacuation
- police surveillance
- military liaison
- maritime patrol
- calibration flights
- special missions
Major operators include the Royal Flying Doctor Service, PlaneSense, Tradewind Aviation, and numerous air forces and government agencies worldwide.
Specifications (PC-12 NGX)
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Crew | 1 or 2 |
| Passengers | Up to 10 (typically 8–9) |
| Length | 14.40 m (47 ft 3 in) |
| Wingspan | 16.28 m (53 ft 4 in) |
| Height | 4.26 m (14 ft 0 in) |
| Wing Area | 25.8 m² (277.7 sq ft) |
| Maximum Take-off Weight | 4,740 kg (10,450 lb) |
| Engine | Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6E-67XP |
| Rated Power | 1,200 shp (flat-rated for operational use) |
Performance (PC-12 NGX)
| Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Cruise Speed | 290 kt (537 km/h; 333 mph) |
| Maximum Range (4 passengers) | Approximately 1,803 NM (3,339 km) |
| Maximum Range (6 passengers) | Approximately 1,765 NM (3,269 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 30,000 ft (9,144 m) |
| Rate of Climb | Approximately 1,920 ft/min (585 m/min) |
| Stall Speed | Approximately 67 kt |
| Take-off Distance (over 50 ft obstacle) | Approximately 2,485 ft (757 m) |
| Landing Distance (over 50 ft obstacle) | Approximately 2,170 ft (661 m) |
Performance varies with aircraft weight, runway conditions and atmospheric conditions.
Flying Characteristics
The PC-12 is widely regarded as one of the easiest high-performance turboprops to fly. Pilots consistently praise its:
- excellent stability in instrument flight
- predictable stall behaviour
- responsive but well-balanced controls
- forgiving short-field handling
- comfortable ride in turbulence
- exceptional engine reliability
The combination of the PT6 engine, efficient wing and robust landing gear enables operations from remote gravel strips while still providing executive-class comfort and long-range capability.
Legacy
The Pilatus PC-12 has redefined the market for single-engine turbine aircraft. Its combination of pressurisation, executive comfort, remarkable versatility and proven Pratt & Whitney PT6 reliability has made it one of the most successful business and utility aircraft ever produced. Continuous development—from the original PC-12/41 through the NG, NGX and PRO variants—has kept the design technologically current for more than three decades. Today, the PC-12 serves operators on every continent, from corporate flight departments and regional airlines to humanitarian organisations and military services, and remains the benchmark against which other high-performance single-engine turboprops are measured.