The Pilatus PC-12, a well-respected workhorse, has been given a 21st century makeover. The company displayed an example of its next generation model that was certified days before Sun ‘n Fun 2008 opened in Lakeland, Fla. The biggest change is installation of a Honewell Primus Apex glass panel, a variation of the Honeywell system found in large business jets and is the base system for Gulfstream’s Planeview. Pilatus spokesman Mike Haenggi said the version used in the PC-12NG is optimized for single pilot operation. The latest PC-12 also gets more power.
The big single is powered by a Pratt and Whitney PT6A-67P which develops 1,200 hp. Haenggi said the new engine incorporates metallurgical improvements that allow higher operating temperatures and that translates to a 10-knot increase in cruise speed to 280. Pilatus also retained BMW to design the interior and the result is a modern feel that matches the technology up front.
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