On May 11, 2015, the small Pilatus PC-24 business aircraft took flight for the first time in Stans, Switzerland. It was intended to complement the PC-12 single-turboprop aircraft, which has enjoyed great success over the years. The PC-24's appearance was unveiled, in the form of a mock-up, at the 13th EBACE (European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition) held in Geneva in May 2013. The PC-24 is powered by two 15 kN Williams FJ44-4A-QPM turbofans, the same ones installed on US cruise missiles. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 8 tons and can accommodate up to ten passengers on board in the reduced cargo compartment version. A standard feature of the PC-24 is the heated and pressurized rear cargo compartment, accessible through a large cargo door located on the left side.
In the picture: Pilatus PC-24 HB-VSA, prototype P.03, on display at the 17th EBACE held in Geneva in May 2017. (Aeromedia)
(Aeromedia, May 2015)
