Image: Pilatus
Pilatus delivered the first PC-24 configured for medevac missions to the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS) on Monday. According to Pilatus, the interior of the PC-24 air ambulance is designed to allow fast, flexible modification. Modifications include an electric stretcher, a separate power system for the cabin, dedicated communication systems for the medical crew and beds for three patients.
“The PC-24 will be used for the cost-effective transport of patients over longer distances in conjunction with [RFDS’] existing fleet of PC-12 aircraft,” said Pilatus. “Its outstanding performance on short runways and unpaved strips will provide the RFDS with a previously unattained degree of flexibility of direct benefit to patients in Australia.”
In its standard configuration, the PC-24 “Super Versatile Jet” seats eleven passengers plus a pilot. It has a range of 2,000 NM, 2,500-pound maximum payload, top cruise speed of 440 knots and takeoff distance of 2,930 feet. Pilatus also put the PC-24 through a test program that specifically emphasizes unpaved runway operations. It received its FAA and EASA type certifications in December 2017.
RFDS was founded in 1928 and operates a fleet of more than 60 aircraft including PC-12s, King Air B200 and B300s, Cessna Caravans and a Hawker 800XP. The organization provides both primary health care and 24-hour emergency services across Australia.
