Pilatus PC-9

Summary

Category Training aircraft
Origin country 🇨🇭 Switzerland
First flight7 May 1984
Year of introduction1987
Number produced265 units

Description

The Pilatus PC-9 is a military aircraft that was developed by the Swiss company Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. It is a single-engine turboprop aircraft primarily used for training purposes in various air forces around the world. The PC-9 is known for its durability and reliability, making it a key asset in training future pilots. It has a low-wing design with a tandem seating arrangement, providing good visibility for both the student pilot and the instructor. The aircraft is equipped with advanced avionics and a powerful engine, allowing it to perform various training missions such as basic flight maneuvers, instrument training, and weapons delivery practice. The Pilatus PC-9 has been deployed by numerous armed forces globally, contributing to the development of skilled pilots worldwide.

Technical specifications

Version: PC-9M
Maximum speed 593 km/h (368 mph)
Wing area16.3 m² (175.2 sqft)
Wingspan10.2 m (33.4 ft)
Height3.3 m (10.7 ft)
Length10.2 m (33.4 ft)
Service ceiling11600 m (38058 ft)
Empty weight1781 kg (3926 lbs)
Max. takeoff weight3200 kg (7055 lbs)
Climb rate19.7 m/s (64.6 ft/s)
Takeoff distance396 m (1299 ft)
Powerplant1 × pistons engine Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-62 delivering 708 kW
Ejection seatMartin-Baker Mk 11

Current operating countries

Country Units
Thailand Thailand 19
Croatia Croatia 14
Oman Oman 12
Myanmar Myanmar 10
Ireland Ireland 8
Slovenia Slovenia 8
Bulgaria Bulgaria 6
Angola Angola 4
Chad Chad 1
Mexico Mexico 1

Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.

All operators

AngolaBulgariaSwitzerlandCyprusCroatiaIrelandMexicoMyanmarOmanSloveniaChadThailandUnited States