Pilatus PC-21
The Pilatus PC-21 is an advanced military trainer, designed to teach student pilots skills closer to those needed in a modern fast jet than older, simpler turboprop trainers could provide. Its powerful engine and agile handling let air forces use it for a greater share of pilot training before students move on to actual jet aircraft, reducing the cost of the far more expensive jet training that follows. Its cockpit avionics closely mimic the displays and systems found in frontline fighters. Numerous air forces around the world now use it as their primary advanced training aircraft.
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Did you know?
The PC-21 is recognisable by its five-blade propeller, one more blade than the PC-9 trainer it succeeded in many air forces.
Specifications
| Length | 9.6 m (31 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 9.1 m (30 ft) |
| Height | 3.3 m (11 ft) |
| Persons on board | 2 |
| Crew | 2 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 4.2 t |
| Range | 653 NM (1,209 km) |
| Maximum speed | 320 kt (593 km/h) |
| Stall speed | 81 kt (150 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 38,000 ft (11,582 m) |
| Optimum ceiling | 10,000 ft (3,048 m) |
| Rate of climb | 4,091 ft/min (20.8 m/s) |
| Take-off distance | 798 m (2,618 ft) |
| Engines | Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68B |
| Units built | 211 |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
In CatchFlights
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