It was at the NBAA 2023 edition that Pilatus presented the latest version of its PC-24. A little short of the competition, Pilatus has increased the fuel capacity of its business jet, so the new PC-24 presents an increase of 272 kg (600 pounds) in the useful fuel load and the maximum load capacity . This allows operators to increase the PC-24’s maximum range by 200 nm (370 km) with six passengers on board.
600 kg more
It was at the NBAA 2023 edition that Pilatus presented the latest version of its PC-24. Perhaps a little short of the competition, Pilatus has increased the fuel capacity of its business jet, so the new PC-24 features a 272 kg (600 pound) increase in fuel payload and capacity. maximum load. This allows operators to increase the PC-24’s maximum range by 200 nm (370 km) with six passengers on board. The PC-24 now offers a fuel payload equivalent to that of a single pilot, plus 596 kg, and a maximum payload capacity of 1,406 kg. Starting with new aircraft deliveries in 2024, Pilatus has expanded the payload capacity of its Super Versatile Jet to achieve a maximum six-passenger range of 2,000 nautical miles (3,704 kilometers). Pilatus has also incorporated a series of new interior fittings, including a large side sofa which can be converted into a bed.
A refined cell
“The increase in payload was achieved by refining the structural elements of the wings and fuselage to reduce the empty weight of the airframe while increasing the maximum gross takeoff weight limit,” comments Bruno Cervia, vice-president. president of engineering at Pilatus. “Increasing range, payload, comfort and operability has been the primary objective of this major PC-24 improvement program. The PC-24 upgrade includes more than 1,000 changes across the entire device,” says Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus. Pilatus engineers conducted a flight test campaign to expand the full envelope for higher design masses. At maximum takeoff weight of the PC-24, the average runway length at sea level is only 3,090 feet (941 meters), allowing the use of very short and even unpaved runways. All PC-24s from serial number 501 will be equipped with a new function enabling predictive services. The automated transmission of key data from the aircraft directly to Pilatus during landing will be analyzed and, if necessary, a predictive recommendation will be made to the operator.
A reduction in the acoustic level in the cabin
On the passenger side, the interior of the new PC-24 has also undergone a number of improvements aimed at improving the overall passenger in-flight experience. Ambient sound levels have been reduced through noise-absorbing panels and engine accessory air intake ducts. Cabinets, storage areas and the reception center have all been upgraded to maximize the PC-24’s vast cabin space. Finally, Pilatus has partnered with Lufthansa Technik to incorporate a new integrated cabin management system (iCMS) comprising a 10-inch touchscreen controller with a 3D moving map, four high-fidelity cabin speakers with a subwoofer optional ambient lighting, USB ports and a media storage server.
