Pilatus today announced increased payload and range for its PC-24 twinjet, along with a new cabin interior that will be available for deliveries in 2024. With six passengers onboard, the light business jet's maximum range climbed by 200 nm, to 2,000 nm, based on a 600-pound increase in full fuel payload.
According to the Swiss manufacturer, the performance boost has been made possible after tweaks to the airframe. “The payload increase was achieved by refining both wing and fuselage structural elements to reduce the airframe empty weight while simultaneously increasing the maximum gross takeoff weight limit,” explained Bruno Cervia, the company’s v-p of engineering.
After the changes were made, Pilatus engineers conducted an extensive flight-test campaign to expand the performance envelope for the higher design weights. At maximum takeoff weight, the PC-24’s balanced field length at sea level is 3,090 feet, giving what Pilatus calls its "Super Versatile Jet" access to short and unpaved runways. The aircraft now offers a full fuel payload of a single pilot plus 1,315 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 3,100 pounds.
Improvements to the PC-24 cabin include changes to the standard cabinetry, storage area, and entrance to maximize available space. Ambient noise has been reduced through improvements to passenger service unit ducting and tuned engine accessory air intake ducts, as well as the addition of noise-absorbing panels.
Working with Lufthansa Technik, Pilatus is incorporating a new integrated cabin management system. It features a 10-inch touchscreen controller with a 3D moving map, four high-fidelity speakers with a sub-woofer option, mood lighting, USB ports, and a media storage server.
The most visible change to the interior will be an optional side-facing divan. At 6 feet 6 inches in length, customers will be able to convert this into a bed.
Depending on options selected, Pilatus said it expects new-production PC-24s to be priced between $13 million and $13.5 million. The divan option is part of a wider interior package, adding about $130,000 to the cost.
From serial number 501 onwards, PC-24s will feature a predictive maintenance system. This will automatically transmit aircraft data after each landing to Pilatus, which will analyze it and recommend proactive maintenance measures to operators as required.
At EBACE 2013, Pilatus announced the PC-24 as its first jet product alongside its PC-12 turboprop single and PC-6 utility turboprop. The first prototype was rolled out in August 2014, with first flight achieved in May 2015.
In July 2021, the manufacturer announced new features in the PC-24 cabin and flight deck. These included lie-flat seats and a galley option, as well as improved controls for the Honeywell avionics suite and SmartRunway and SmartLanding safety features.
“More range, greater payload, enhanced comfort, and increased operability were the primary focus of this major PC-24 improvement program,” said Pilatus CEO Markus Bucher. “The PC-24 upgrade includes over 1,000 modifications throughout the aircraft. Yet again, we went all the way to the limits of what is possible, making maximum use of our engineering capabilities to deliver the best PC-24 ever.”
The first example of the new PC-24, featuring the convertible divan, will be available for viewing on static display next week during NBAA-BACE 2023 in Las Vegas. The aircraft, which is powered by a pair of Williams International FJ44-4A turbofans, can run on sustainable aviation fuel.
Pilatus said few PC-24 delivery slots remain available for 2024, although some of its authorized service and sales centers around the world may have more availability. Overall, PC-24 order backlog extends to the end of next year.