Pilatus announced a number of upgrades to its popular PC-24 light business jet in the run-up to the National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA) show next week in Las Vegas. Starting with aircraft delivered next year, the PC-24 will have a maximum range with six passengers aboard of 2,000 nautical miles, a 200-nautical-mile increase over existing production aircraft.
Even with an increased max payload that allows the aircraft to carry more fuel, the PC-24 will still offer a balanced field length at sea level of only 3,090 feet (941 m), allowing it to use very short and unpaved runways.
Inside the cabin, Pilatus reduced ambient sound levels through optimization of passenger service unit ducting, noise absorbing panels, and tuned engine accessory air intake ducts. The manufacturer has also refined cabinetry and storage areas. Lufthansa Technik created a new integrated Cabin Management System (iCMS) featuring a 10-inch touch screen controller with 3D moving map, four high fidelity cabin speakers with a subwoofer option, mood lighting, USB ports, and a media storage server. Pilatus will also now offer the option of a large side-facing divan that is 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) in length and can be converted into a bed in flight.
New aircraft, starting with serial number 501, will also be equipped with a predictive maintenance service capability. The automated transmission of key aircraft data directly to Pilatus upon landing will be analyzed and, if necessary, a predictive recommendation will be forwarded to the operator.
Douglas Royce covers the aviation gas turbine and military markets at Forecast International, a market research firm that forecasts annual production across a wide range of aerospace and defense systems.
