We went to Catarina Airport at the Synerjet Hangar to see the new features of the new Pilatus 2024.
The Pilatus PC-24 brings innovations to the “only” executive jet certified to operate on unpaved runways.
Among them, Pilatus redefined the machining of more than 700 “components” reducing their weight from 11,720 lb to 11,561 lb, making it possible to increase the maximum payload capacity with full fuel from 715 lb to 1,314 lb. Due to these improvements, it increased its maximum range to 2,000 nm (3,704 km) for 6 engers. Its consumption is 450lb flight hour per engine.
The PC-24 from the beginning was an aircraft designed for operation on paved and unpaved runways, making it a perfect aircraft for operations on farms or in other places where the only option is a dirt, grass or gravel runway.
The new PC-24 operates on runways with a minimum length of 940 meters (at sea level).
One of the features that allows landing and takeoff on an unpaved runway are the landing gears that have two tires each with a “trailing link” design, similar to that used in war fighters that operate on aircraft carriers, designed with a flexible arm in the shape “L” design for greater damping of the high impact of landing, maintaining softness and comfort inside the cabin.
The aircraft is equipped with two lithium batteries, one for avionics and the other to drive the engines.
Compared to traditional technology batteries, lithium-ion batteries charge faster, last longer and have a higher charge density, increasing battery life even in a smaller structure.
Engines and Auxiliary Power Unit
Williams FJ44-4A-QPM engine
The PC-24 is equipped with engines, with a TBO of 5000 hours that have the Quiet Power Mode system, on the right engine, replacing the traditional APU. Silent power mode energizes the aircraft at reduced rpm, enabling avionics and cabin climate control without the burden of maintenance costs or hours of an auxiliary power unit.
Also, demonstrating the efficiency and technology embedded in the aircraft, Pilatus innovated in the PC-24 with brushless three-phase generator technology, increasing overhaul time, reducing the weight of the system and making it more efficient at idle. .
Galley indoor setup and toilet
Its front galley has a refrigerated part and a 115 v socket, making it possible to connect a coffee maker or other appliance with up to 1500 watts.
In its internal configuration, it is possible to choose up to 6 color combinations and up to 7 types of layout, with 6 or 8 seats being the most used. In the new PC-24 there is also the possibility of choosing a divan, which converts into a bed.
The luggage compartment is pressurized, has a large dedicated door and has a load capacity of up to 530 lbs.
Its toilet is vacuum, the same system used on commercial planes, making it more efficient and the environment more pleasant in flight.
Avionics cockpit and airworthiness
In the cockpit, the avionics are Honeywell, incorporating the advanced technology used in large jets, such as Gulfstream.
Its is operated by the system called Advanced Cockpit Environment (ACE), with 2 high-resolution PFD screens with the Synthetic Vision system and 2 MFD screens, all 12 inches and liquid crystal. On the central console there is also a touch screen control to operate the monitors, as well as the Cursor Control, a type of mouse that allows the pilot greater stability when accessing the screens in the event of turbulence, for example.
The PC-24 also has an auto-throttle for power adjustment, maintaining the speed in accordance with the aircraft manual in all flight phases, in addition to reducing the pilot's workload.
The PC-24 has two fueling options, one by pressure (single point) and the other by gravity on the wing. It is also possible to dewater the tank via the single supply point.
The wings have four spoilers that extend when landing. Of these four, two are multifunctional and also act as speed brakes and aileron assistance when necessary. The entire flap and spoiler system is electric. The wings do not have winglets, being suitable for landing conditions on a dirt runway at lower speeds. Its rear stabilizers and elevators are also electric, with a lower calibration to avoid bumps due to friction with gravel and imperfections characteristic of an unpaved track.
The Pilatus PC-24 comes with a 7-year warranty or 5000 factory flight hours (airframe) and offers the CrystalCare maintenance program where you can choose modules such as full coverage of avionics, airframe, AOG, engines or a specific module only for engines.
Another important point is that Pilatus has an authorized maintenance center in Brazil and Colombia, as well as satellite centers in Argentina, Chile and Guatemala.
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