Pilatus PC-6 - Definition and Overview

The Pilatus PC-6 Porter (sometimes nicknamed the Jeep of the air) is a civilian utility aitcraft built by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland.

The PC-6 is famous in the aviation world for its Short Take-off and Landing (STOL) performance on almost any type of terrain - it can take-off within a distance of 195 m and land within a distance of 130 m while carrying a payload of 1,500 kg.

The first prototype made its maiden flight on 4 May 1959 powered by a 254 kW piston engine. The first Turbo Porter flew in 1961. The Turbo Porter received an engine upgrade in 1963, which increased its power to its present value of 410 kW.

Specifications (PC-6 B2 Turbo Porter)

General Characteristics

• Crew: one, pilot
• Capacity: up to ten passengers, or up to 1,530 (3,366 lb) of cargo
• Length: 11.00 m (36 ft 1 in)
• Wingspan: 15.20 m (49 ft 10 in)
• Height: 3.20 m (10 ft 6 in)
• Wing area: 28.8 m² (310 ft²)
• Empty: 1,330 kg (2,933 lb)
• Loaded: kg ( lb)
• Maximum takeoff: 2,770 kg (6,108 lb)
• Powerplant: 1x Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-27, 410 kW (550 shp)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 244 km/h (153 mph)
• Range: 1,336 km (835 miles)
• Service ceiling: 10,000 m (16,404 ft)
• Rate of climb: 600 m/min (1,968 ft/min)
• Wing loading: kg/m² (lb/ft²)
• Power/Mass: kW/kg (hp/lb)

Related content

Related development:

Comparable aircraft:

Designation sequence (Pilatus): P-2 - P-3 - PC-6 - PC-7 - PC-9 - PC-11 - PC-12 - PC-21

Designation sequence (US military U series): U-17 - U-18 - U-22 - U-23 - U-24 - U-25 - U-26

Designation sequence (US military V series): XV-15 - V-16 - V-18 - UV-20 - V-22 - V-23

Example Usage of Pilatus