The Pilatus PC-9 is a single-engine, low-wing tandem-seat turboprop training aircraft manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland. Designed as a more powerful evolution of the Pilatus PC-7, the PC-9’s first flight was made in May 1984 after which certification was achieved in September 1985.
| Role | Basic/Advanced Trainer aircraft |
|---|---|
| National origin | Switzerland |
| Manufacturer | Pilatus Aircraft |
| First flight | 7 May 1984 |
| Status | Active service |
| Primary users | Swiss Air Force Slovenian Air Force and Air Defence Royal Saudi Air Force Royal Thai Air Force |
| Produced | 1984–present |
| Number built | 265 |
| Developed from | Pilatus PC-7 |
| Developed into | Beechcraft T-6 Texan II |
Specifications (PC-9M)
General characteristics
- Crew: one or two pilots
- Length: 10.14 m (33 ft 3 in)
- Wingspan: 10.125 m (33 ft 3 in)
- Height: 3.26 m (10 ft 8 in)
- Wing area: 16.29 m2 (175.3 sq ft)
- Empty weight: 1,725 kg (3,803 lb)
- Gross weight: 2,350 kg (5,181 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 3,200 kg (7,055 lb)
-
A view of the interior of the cockpit of a Pilatus PC-9 aircraft.
- Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-62 turboprop, 857 kW (1,149 hp) flat-rated at 708 kW (950 shp)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 593 km/h (368 mph, 320 kn)
- Cruise speed: 556 km/h (345 mph, 300 kn) at 7,620 m (25,000 ft)
- Stall speed: 143 km/h (89 mph, 77 kn) EAS flaps and gear up, 128 km/h (80 mph; 69 kn) flaps and gear down
- Range: 1,537 km (955 mi, 830 nmi)
- Endurance: 4 hr 30 min
- Service ceiling: 11,580 m (37,990 ft)
- g limits: + 7.0 g to −3.5 g
- Rate of climb: 20.8 m/s (4,090 ft/min)
- Take-off distance over 50 ft (15 m) obstacle at sea level: 1,280 ft (391 m)
- Landing distance over 50 ft (15 m) obstacle at sea level: 2,295 ft (700 m)
Armament
- Hardpoints: seven hardpoints under each wing, inner two rated at 250 kg (550 lb), outer rated at 110 kg (240 lb)
Photos Rob Vogelaar and Marcel van Leeuwen
