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{{Short description|Swiss single engine STOL utility transport aircraft, 1959}}
{{Short description|Swiss single engine STOL utility transport aircraft, 1959}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2023}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2023}}
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{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
{{Infobox aircraft
|name= PC-6 Porter/Turbo-Porter
|name= PC-6 Porter/Turbo-Porter
|image= File:Pilatus PC-6 SkydiveLillo JD18032008 (cropped).jpg
|image= File:Pilatus PC-6 SkydiveLillo JD18032008 (cropped).jpg
|caption= A PC-6 Turbo-Porter, B2-H4 PT6A-34 variant, used for skydiving in Spain
|caption= A PC-6 Turbo-Porter, B2-H4 PT6A-34 variant, used for skydiving in Spain
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
|type= [[STOL]] passenger and [[utility aircraft]]
|type= [[STOL]] passenger and [[utility aircraft]]
|manufacturer= [[Pilatus Aircraft]]<br>[[Fairchild Aircraft]]
|manufacturer= [[Pilatus Aircraft]]<br>[[Fairchild Aircraft]]
|first flight= Porter - 4 May 1959<br>Turbo-Porter - 2 May 1961.
|first_flight= Porter - 4 May 1959<br>Turbo-Porter - 2 May 1961.
|introduced=
|introduction=
|retired=
|retired=
|status= In service
|status= In service
|primary user= Civil aviation
|primary_user= Civil aviation
|more users= [[Austrian Air Force]], [[Myanmar Air Force]], [[Swiss Air Force]]
|more_users= [[Austrian Air Force]], [[Myanmar Air Force]], [[Swiss Air Force]]
|produced= 1959–2022<ref name=AIN13dec2022/>
|produced= 1959–2022<ref name=AIN13dec2022/>
|number built= 604<ref name=AIN13dec2022/>
|number_built= 604<ref name=AIN13dec2022/>
|variants with their own articles= [[Fairchild AU-23 Peacemaker]]
|variants= [[Fairchild AU-23 Peacemaker]]
}}
}}
|}


The '''Pilatus PC-6 Porter''' is a single-engined [[STOL]] [[utility aircraft]] designed by [[Pilatus Aircraft]] of Switzerland. First flown in 1959, the PC-6 was produced at Pilatus Flugzeugwerke in Stans, Switzerland. It has been built in both [[piston engine]]- and [[turboprop]]-powered versions, and was produced under licence for a time by [[Fairchild Aircraft|Fairchild Hiller]] in the United States.
The '''Pilatus PC-6 Porter''' is a single-engined [[STOL]] [[utility aircraft]] designed by [[Pilatus Aircraft]] of Switzerland. First flown in 1959, the PC-6 was produced at Pilatus Flugzeugwerke in [[Stans]], Switzerland. It has been built in both [[piston engine]]- and [[turboprop]]-powered versions, and was produced under licence for a time by [[Fairchild Aircraft|Fairchild Hiller]] in the United States.
After 604 deliveries in 63 years, Pilatus ended production in 2022.<ref name=AIN13dec2022/>
After 604 deliveries in 63 years, Pilatus ended production in 2022.<ref name=AIN13dec2022/>


==Development==
==Development==
On 4 May 1959, the first prototype, powered by a 254&nbsp;kW (340 [[Horsepower#Shaft horsepower .28shp.29|shp]]) [[piston engine]], made its maiden flight.<ref name="JAWA65 p126-7"/> In early May 1961, the first ''Turbo Porter'', powered by a [[Turbomeca Astazou|Turbomeca Astazou II]] turboprop engine, performed its initial flight.<ref name = "fricker 38">Fricker 1962, p. 38.</ref> In comparison to its earlier piston engine-powered incarnation, the Astazou II-equipped ''Turbo Porter'' had an increased gross capacity and top speed, as well as benefitting from the engine's automatic handling functions. These benefits came at the expense of a greater initial purchase cost and higher fuel consumption.<ref name = "fricker 38"/> Both the piston and turbine-engine versions of the PC-6 became quickly known for their Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capabilities, requiring only a very short takeoff run before being ready for [[rotation (aeronautics)|rotation]] prior to taking off.<ref name = "fricker 102">Fricker 1962, p. 102.</ref>
On 4 May 1959, the first prototype, powered by a 254&nbsp;kW (340 [[Horsepower#Shaft horsepower|shp]]) [[piston engine]], made its maiden flight.<ref name="JAWA65 p126-7"/> In early May 1961, the first ''Turbo Porter'', powered by a [[Turbomeca Astazou|Turbomeca Astazou II]] turboprop engine, performed its initial flight.<ref name = "fricker 38">Fricker 1962, p. 38.</ref> In comparison to its earlier piston engine-powered incarnation, the Astazou II-equipped ''Turbo Porter'' had an increased gross capacity and top speed, as well as benefitting from the engine's automatic handling functions. These benefits came at the expense of the greater initial purchase cost and higher [[fuel efficiency|fuel consumption]].<ref name = "fricker 38"/> Both the piston and turbine-engine versions of the PC-6 became quickly known for their Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capabilities, requiring only a very short takeoff run before being ready for [[rotation (aeronautics)|rotation]] prior to taking off.<ref name = "fricker 102">Fricker 1962, p. 102.</ref>
Its unit cost in 1962 was $55,000<ref name = "fricker 103">Fricker 1962, p. 103.</ref>
Its unit cost in 1962 was $55,000<ref name = "fricker 103">Fricker 1962, p. 103.</ref>


The initial turbine-powered models of the PC-6 were equipped with the Astazou II powerplant, however complaints of the reliability of this engine were made. Another early turboprop powerplant that became available for the PC-6 was the [[Garrett TPE331|Garrett Air Research TPE 331]]. Some operators such as [[Air America (airline)|Air America]] chose to retrofit their Astazou II-powered PC-6s with the TPE 331 engine in its place.<ref name = "air america">Leeker, Joe F. [http://www.utdallas.edu/library/specialcollections/hac/cataam/Leeker/aircraft/pc6.pdf "Air America: Pilatus / Fairchild PC-6 Turbo Porters."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306032147/http://www.utdallas.edu/library/specialcollections/hac/cataam/Leeker/aircraft/pc6.pdf |date=2016-03-06 }} ''University of Texas at Dallas'', 24 August 2015.</ref> In May 1966, the first PC-6 to be equipped with the [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6|Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A]] engine performed its maiden flight.<ref name="auto">Moll 1993, p. 65.</ref>
The initial turbine-powered models of the PC-6 were equipped with the Astazou II powerplant, however complaints on the reliability of this engine led to another early turboprop powerplant becoming available for the PC-6. This was the [[Garrett TPE331|Garrett Air Research TPE 331]]. Some operators such as [[Air America (airline)|Air America]] chose to retrofit their Astazou II-powered PC-6s with the TPE 331 engine.<ref name = "air america">Leeker, Joe F. [http://www.utdallas.edu/library/specialcollections/hac/cataam/Leeker/aircraft/pc6.pdf "Air America: Pilatus / Fairchild PC-6 Turbo Porters."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306032147/http://www.utdallas.edu/library/specialcollections/hac/cataam/Leeker/aircraft/pc6.pdf |date=2016-03-06 }} ''University of Texas at Dallas'', 24 August 2015.</ref> In May 1966, the first PC-6 to be equipped with the [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6|Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A]] engine performed its maiden flight.<ref name="auto">Moll 1993, p. 65.</ref>


To offset rising labour and manufacturing costs in Switzerland, Pilatus distributed manufacturing work on the PC-6 to other countries; in 1993, [[Czech Republic]]-based [[Letov Kbely]] began manufacturing activity upon the type.<ref name = "small beaut"/> Its unit cost in 2010 was $1,900,000.<ref name = "flight test"/> In 2013, Pilatus formed a [[joint venture]] with Beijing Tian Xing Jian Yu Science Co., Ltd. to locally manufacture the PC-6 and the newer [[Pilatus PC-12]] in [[Chongqing]], China; initially this facility performed subassembly work on the fuselage, and later other elements such as the wings and moving surfaces, which were conveyed to Pilatus' final assembly facility in [[Stans]], Switzerland.<ref>Spruce, Terry. [http://corporatejetinvestor.com/articles/pilatus-opens-jv-china-451/ "Pilatus forms joint venture and opens new facility in China."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315004517/http://corporatejetinvestor.com/articles/pilatus-opens-jv-china-451/ |date=2016-03-15 }} ''Corporate Jet Investor'', 7 August 2013.</ref><ref>[http://aviationweek.com/zhuhai-2014/pilatus-bets-pc-6-porter-china "Pilatus Bets On PC-6 Porter for China."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401162808/http://aviationweek.com/zhuhai-2014/pilatus-bets-pc-6-porter-china |date=2016-04-01 }} ''Aviation Week'', 11 November 2014.</ref> Global production of the PC-6 shall be eventually transferred to the Chongqing facility. On 11 December 2014, the first Chinese-assembled PC-6 fuselage was completed.<ref>[http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/regional/chongqing/liangjiang/2014-12/18/content_19123307.htm "Swiss PC-6 aircraft fuselage tapes out."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402093249/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/regional/chongqing/liangjiang/2014-12/18/content_19123307.htm |date=2016-04-02 }} ''China Daily'', 18 December 2014.</ref><ref>[http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/regional/chongqing/liangjiang/2014-01/07/content_17205233.htm "Pilatus PC-6 Airplanes."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529012512/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/regional/chongqing/liangjiang/2014-01/07/content_17205233.htm |date=2015-05-29 }} ''China Daily'', 7 January 2014.</ref> In 2014, the majority of PC-6s delivered that year were to Chinese customers.<ref>Trautvetter, Chad. [http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2015-04-09/pilatus-tops-1b-revenues-second-year-row "Pilatus Tops $1B in Revenues for Second Year in a Row."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150807113226/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2015-04-09/pilatus-tops-1b-revenues-second-year-row |date=2015-08-07 }} ''AIN Online'', 9 April 2015.</ref> By April 2016, around 20 PC-6s were in operation in the Chinese market; the type has often been used to replace the [[Antonov An-2]], being reportedly cheaper to operate.<ref>Thurber, Matt. [http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2016-04-13/pilatus-pc-6-proves-popular-china "Pilatus PC-6 Proves Popular in China."] ''AIN Online'', 13 April 2016.</ref>
To offset rising labour and manufacturing costs in Switzerland, Pilatus distributed manufacturing work on the PC-6 to other countries; in 1993, [[Czech Republic]]–based [[Letov Kbely]] began manufacturing activity upon the type.<ref name = "small beaut"/> Its unit cost in 2010 was $1,900,000.<ref name = "flight test"/> In 2013, Pilatus formed a [[joint venture]] with Beijing Tian Xing Jian Yu Science Co., Ltd. to locally manufacture the PC-6 and the newer [[Pilatus PC-12]] in [[Chongqing]], China; initially this facility performed subassembly work on the fuselage, and later other elements such as the wings and moving surfaces, which were transported to Pilatus' final assembly facility in [[Stans]], Switzerland.<ref>Spruce, Terry. [http://corporatejetinvestor.com/articles/pilatus-opens-jv-china-451/ "Pilatus forms joint venture and opens new facility in China."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315004517/http://corporatejetinvestor.com/articles/pilatus-opens-jv-china-451/ |date=2016-03-15 }} ''Corporate Jet Investor'', 7 August 2013.</ref><ref>[http://aviationweek.com/zhuhai-2014/pilatus-bets-pc-6-porter-china "Pilatus Bets On PC-6 Porter for China."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401162808/http://aviationweek.com/zhuhai-2014/pilatus-bets-pc-6-porter-china |date=2016-04-01 }} ''Aviation Week'', 11 November 2014.</ref> Global production of the PC-6 will eventually be transferred to the Chongqing facility. On 11 December 2014, the first Chinese-assembled PC-6 fuselage was completed.<ref>[http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/regional/chongqing/liangjiang/2014-12/18/content_19123307.htm "Swiss PC-6 aircraft fuselage tapes out."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402093249/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/regional/chongqing/liangjiang/2014-12/18/content_19123307.htm |date=2016-04-02 }} ''China Daily'', 18 December 2014.</ref><ref>[http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/regional/chongqing/liangjiang/2014-01/07/content_17205233.htm "Pilatus PC-6 Airplanes."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529012512/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/regional/chongqing/liangjiang/2014-01/07/content_17205233.htm |date=2015-05-29 }} ''China Daily'', 7 January 2014.</ref> In 2014, the majority of PC-6s delivered that year were to Chinese customers.<ref>Trautvetter, Chad. [http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2015-04-09/pilatus-tops-1b-revenues-second-year-row "Pilatus Tops $1B in Revenues for Second Year in a Row."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150807113226/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2015-04-09/pilatus-tops-1b-revenues-second-year-row |date=2015-08-07 }} ''AIN Online'', 9 April 2015.</ref> By April 2016, around 20 PC-6s were in operation in the Chinese market; the type has often been used to replace the [[Antonov An-2]], being reportedly cheaper to operate.<ref>Thurber, Matt. [http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2016-04-13/pilatus-pc-6-proves-popular-china "Pilatus PC-6 Proves Popular in China."] ''AIN Online'', 13 April 2016.</ref>


The Porter was also manufactured under license by [[Fairchild Aircraft|Fairchild Hiller]] in the United States. Roughly 100 of these licence-produced aircraft would be completed, being mainly purchased by civil operators within the US.<ref name = "air america"/><ref name = "moll 64"/> A number of Fairchild Hiller-built PC-6s were also procured for military operations during the [[Vietnam War]]. It received the designation [[Fairchild AU-23 Peacemaker|''AU-23A Peacemaker'']] for service with the U.S. Air Force. The Peacemaker was fitted with a side-firing 20mm XM-197 Gatling cannon, four wing pylons and a centre fuselage station for external ordnance. However, the AU-23A proved to be troublesome in service. All of them were returned to the continental U.S. and placed into storage after only a single year of operation. In 1979, a pair of UV-20s were assigned to the aviation detachment of the [[Berlin Brigade#United States|Berlin Brigade]] in Germany due to their suitability for operating within the heavily restricted airspace; they were fitted for carrying either cargo, up to eleven passengers, or three [[Litter (rescue basket)|litter]]s with four medical attendants.<ref>Johnson and Jones 2013, pp. 433.</ref>
The Porter was also manufactured under license by [[Fairchild Aircraft|Fairchild Hiller]] in the United States. Roughly 100 of these licence-produced aircraft would be completed, being mainly purchased by civil operators within the US.<ref name = "air america"/><ref name = "moll 64"/> A number of Fairchild Hiller-built PC-6s were also procured for military operations during the [[Vietnam War]]. It received the designation [[Fairchild AU-23 Peacemaker|''AU-23A Peacemaker'']] for service with the U.S. Air Force. The Peacemaker was fitted with a side-firing 20mm XM-197 Gatling cannon, four wing pylons and a centre fuselage station for external ordnance. However, the AU-23A proved to be troublesome in service. All of them were returned to the continental U.S. and placed into storage after only a single year of operation. In 1979, a pair of UV-20s were assigned to the aviation detachment of the [[Berlin Brigade#United States|Berlin Brigade]] in Germany due to their suitability for operating within the heavily restricted airspace; they were fitted for carrying either cargo, up to eleven passengers, or three [[Litter (rescue basket)|litter]]s with four medical attendants.<ref>Johnson and Jones 2013, pp. 433.</ref>
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==Design==
==Design==
[[File:Pilatus PC-6A Turbo-Porter cabin.jpg|thumb|PC-6 cabin interior, circa 1960s]]
[[File:Pilatus PC-6A Turbo-Porter cabin.jpg|thumb|PC-6 cabin interior, circa 1960s]]
The Pilatus PC-6 Porter is a [[STOL|Short Takeoff and Landing]] (STOL) [[utility aircraft]]. The majority of aircraft are powered by a single [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6|Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A]] turboprop engine, which drives a fully reversible, constant-speed, three-bladed HC-B3TN-3D (or an alternative four-bladed HC-D4N-3P unit) [[Hartzell Propeller|Hartzell]] aluminium propeller via a reduction [[gearbox]].<ref name = "pc6 factsheet"/><ref name = "pc6 broch"/><ref>[https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=R5uhU9wKe7wC&pg=PA50 "Datalink."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401205916/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=R5uhU9wKe7wC&pg=PA50 |date=2016-04-01 }} ''Flying Magazine'', November 2002. p. 50. Vol. 129, No. 11. ISSN 0015-4806.</ref> Pilatus claims that it possesses unique STOL capabilities, capable of landing in places only otherwise accessible by [[rotorcraft]].<ref name = "pc6 broch"/> It is fully capable of being operated from unprepared rough airstrips, in remote areas, hot climates and at high altitudes in all-weather conditions. In particular, the undercarriage employed provides for high wing and propeller clearances, making the PC-6 less susceptible to damage than conventional nosewheel-type undercarriages.<ref name = "pc6 broch"/> For further landing versatility, various types of [[landing gear]] may be optionally installed allowing it to operate from different types of terrain; options include floats for water landings and skis for landing on snow.<ref name="pc6 factsheet">[http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/00-def/main/scripts/ckfinder/userfiles/files/Downloads/Brochures/Pilatus%20Aircraft%20Ltd%20-%20Factsheet%20PC-6.pdf "PC-6: The World's Leading STOL."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329155050/http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/00-def/main/scripts/ckfinder/userfiles/files/Downloads/Brochures/Pilatus%20Aircraft%20Ltd%20-%20Factsheet%20PC-6.pdf |date=2016-03-29 }} ''Pilatus Aircraft'', Retrieved: 17 March 2016.</ref>
The Pilatus PC-6 Porter is a [[STOL|Short Takeoff and Landing]] (STOL) [[utility aircraft]]. The majority of aircraft are powered by a single [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6|Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A]] turboprop engine, which drives a fully reversible, constant-speed, three-bladed HC-B3TN-3D (or an alternative four-bladed HC-D4N-3P) [[Hartzell Propeller|Hartzell]] aluminium propeller via a reduction [[gearbox]].<ref name = "pc6 factsheet"/><ref name = "pc6 broch"/><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=R5uhU9wKe7wC&pg=PA50 "Datalink."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401205916/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=R5uhU9wKe7wC&pg=PA50 |date=2016-04-01 }} ''Flying Magazine'', November 2002. p. 50. Vol. 129, No. 11. ISSN 0015-4806.</ref> Pilatus claims that it possesses unique STOL capabilities, capable of landing in places only otherwise accessible by [[rotorcraft]].<ref name = "pc6 broch"/> It is fully capable of being operated from unprepared rough airstrips, in remote areas, hot climates and at high altitudes in all-weather conditions. In particular, the undercarriage employed provides for high wing and propeller clearances, making the PC-6 less susceptible to damage than conventional nosewheel-type undercarriages.<ref name = "pc6 broch"/> For further landing versatility, various types of [[landing gear]] may be optionally installed allowing it to operate from different types of terrain; options include floats for water landings and skis for landing on snow.<ref name="pc6 factsheet">[http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/00-def/main/scripts/ckfinder/userfiles/files/Downloads/Brochures/Pilatus%20Aircraft%20Ltd%20-%20Factsheet%20PC-6.pdf "PC-6: The World's Leading STOL."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329155050/http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/00-def/main/scripts/ckfinder/userfiles/files/Downloads/Brochures/Pilatus%20Aircraft%20Ltd%20-%20Factsheet%20PC-6.pdf |date=2016-03-29 }} ''Pilatus Aircraft'', Retrieved: 17 March 2016.</ref>


Early models of the PC-6 were equipped with a full instrument panel as standard, and were reportedly easy for unfamiliar pilots to intuit.<ref name = "fricker 101"/> Later-manufactured PC-6s are equipped with a [[Garmin]] G950 [[glass cockpit]] in place of analog instrumentation; the majority of earlier-produced PC-6s can also be retrofitted with a glass cockpit.<ref name = "flight test">Collins, Peter. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/flight-test-pilatus-pc-6-347732/ "FLIGHT TEST: Pilatus PC-6."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401151113/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/flight-test-pilatus-pc-6-347732/ |date=2016-04-01 }} ''Flight International'', 28 September 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/#18 "Cockpit."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080613164120/http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/#18 |date=2008-06-13 }} ''Pilatus Aircraft'', Retrieved: 20 March 2016.</ref> In addition to its flight functionality, the G950 system acts as a remote maintenance unit and [[electronic flight bag]] all in one. Two large 10.4-inch [[liquid-crystal display]]s (LCDs) are present, functioning as the Primary Flight Display for all key flight information and the Multi-function Display for system/mission management respectively; fully independent secondary flight instrumentation is also provided to provide backup altitude, attitude, and airspeed information in the event of complete electrical failure.<ref name = "flight test"/><ref name = "pc6 broch"/> The cockpit has been designed for single pilot operations; additional [[aircraft flight control system|flight controls]] for a co-pilot can be optionally fitted.<ref name = "pc6 factsheet"/> Other optional features include an [[autopilot]] (capable of operating within all phases of flight), [[traffic collision avoidance system]] (TCAS), [[terrain awareness and warning system]] (TAWS), [[weather radar]], [[satellite phone]], [[Lidar|LIDAR]], [[forward-looking infrared]] (FLIR) and [[Lightning detection#Aviation use|lightning detector]]; in addition, onboard electrical and avionics equipment are readily modifiable to conform with customer requirements.<ref name = "flight test"/><ref name = "pc6 broch"/>
Early models of the PC-6 were equipped with a full instrument panel as standard, and were reportedly easy for unfamiliar pilots to intuit.<ref name = "fricker 101"/> Later-manufactured PC-6s are equipped with a [[Garmin]] G950 [[glass cockpit]] in place of analog instrumentation; the majority of earlier-produced PC-6s can also be retrofitted with a glass cockpit.<ref name = "flight test">Collins, Peter. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/flight-test-pilatus-pc-6-347732/ "FLIGHT TEST: Pilatus PC-6."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401151113/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/flight-test-pilatus-pc-6-347732/ |date=2016-04-01 }} ''Flight International'', 28 September 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/#18 "Cockpit."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080613164120/http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/#18 |date=2008-06-13 }} ''Pilatus Aircraft'', Retrieved: 20 March 2016.</ref> In addition to its flight functionality, the G950 system acts as a remote maintenance unit and [[electronic flight bag]] all in one. Two large 10.4-inch [[liquid-crystal display]]s (LCDs) are present, functioning as the Primary Flight Display for all key flight information and the Multi-function Display for system/mission management. Fully independent secondary flight instrumentation is also provided to provide backup altitude, attitude, and airspeed information in the event of complete electrical failure.<ref name = "flight test"/><ref name = "pc6 broch"/> The cockpit has been designed for single pilot operations; additional [[aircraft flight control system|flight controls]] for a co-pilot can be optionally fitted.<ref name = "pc6 factsheet"/> Other optional features include an [[autopilot]] (capable of operating within all phases of flight), [[traffic collision avoidance system]] (TCAS), [[terrain awareness and warning system]] (TAWS), [[weather radar]], [[satellite phone]], [[Lidar|LIDAR]], [[forward-looking infrared]] (FLIR) and [[Lightning detection#Aviation use|lightning detector]]; in addition, onboard electrical and avionics equipment are readily modifiable to conform with customer requirements.<ref name = "flight test"/><ref name = "pc6 broch"/>


[[File:PC-6 Turbo-Porter cockpit.jpg|thumb|left|Analog cockpit instrumentation of a PC-6, 2007]]
[[File:PC-6 Turbo-Porter cockpit.jpg|thumb|left|Analog cockpit instrumentation of a PC-6, 2007]]
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During its early service, the PC-6 Porter was noted for its high level of comfort and usability against competing aircraft.<ref>Fricker 1962, pp. 100–101.</ref> The type has also proven to have a long service life; by 1993, roughly 440 of the 500 PC-6 Turbo Porters completed by that point were still in service.<ref name = "moll 64">Moll 1993, p. 64.</ref>
During its early service, the PC-6 Porter was noted for its high level of comfort and usability against competing aircraft.<ref>Fricker 1962, pp. 100–101.</ref> The type has also proven to have a long service life; by 1993, roughly 440 of the 500 PC-6 Turbo Porters completed by that point were still in service.<ref name = "moll 64">Moll 1993, p. 64.</ref>


During the 1960s and 1970s, the [[Central Intelligence Agency]]-controlled airline [[Air America (airline)|Air America]] operated up to 23 PC-6s at a time. Many of these were operated in the South-East Asia region, including [[South Vietnam]] during the Vietnam War. The type was used for various missions including paradropping supplies to troops, passenger transport, [[psychological warfare]], reconnaissance, prisoner conveyance, [[airborne radio relay]], and other intelligence operations.<ref name = "air america"/>
During the 1960s and 1970s, the [[Central Intelligence Agency]]-controlled airline [[Air America (airline)|Air America]] operated up to 23 PC-6s at a time. Many of these were operated in the South-East Asia region, including [[South Vietnam]] during the Vietnam War. The type was used for various missions, including paradropping supplies to troops, passenger transport, [[psychological warfare]], reconnaissance, prisoner conveyance, [[airborne radio relay]], and other intelligence operations.<ref name = "air america"/>


Since 1976, the [[Austrian Air Force]] has operated a fleet of 12 PC-6 Porters as the mainstay of their fixed-wing transport fleet; the type has been used in various support roles, including transport, Search and Rescue, firefighting, observation, target-towing and paradropping.<ref>Moxon, Julian. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/austria-ready-to-modernise-57509/ "Austria ready to modernise."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401163530/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/austria-ready-to-modernise-57509/ |date=2016-04-01 }} ''Flight International'', 27 October 1999.</ref><ref>[http://www.bundesheer.at/english/forces/airforce.shtml "The Austrian Air Force - In the Past and Today."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725154014/http://www.bundesheer.at/english/forces/airforce.shtml |date=2011-07-25 }} ''Austrian Armed Forces'', Retrieved: 20 March 2016.</ref>
Since 1976, the [[Austrian Air Force]] has operated a fleet of 12 PC-6 Porters as the mainstay of their fixed-wing transport fleet; the type has been used in various support roles, including transport, search and rescue, firefighting, observation, target-towing and paradropping.<ref>Moxon, Julian. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/austria-ready-to-modernise-57509/ "Austria ready to modernise."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401163530/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/austria-ready-to-modernise-57509/ |date=2016-04-01 }} ''Flight International'', 27 October 1999.</ref><ref>[http://www.bundesheer.at/english/forces/airforce.shtml "The Austrian Air Force - In the Past and Today."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725154014/http://www.bundesheer.at/english/forces/airforce.shtml |date=2011-07-25 }} ''Austrian Armed Forces'', Retrieved: 20 March 2016.</ref>
According to ''Flying'' magazine, around 40 per cent of all PC-6s in use in Europe during the early 1990s were being used by [[parachuting|skydivers]].<ref name="auto"/>
According to ''Flying'' magazine, around 40 per cent of all PC-6s in use in Europe during the early 1990s were being used by [[parachuting|skydivers]].<ref name="auto"/>

In 1996, during the [[First Congo War]], [[Zaire]]'s president [[Mobutu Sese Seko]] hired Western European mercenaries (mostly French and Belgian) in an attempt to stop a Rwandan-led offensive. This contingent (part of the [[White Legion (Zaire)|White Legion]]) was supported by a [[Hawker Siddeley Andover|BAE Andover]] and a Pilatus PC-6B Turbo Porter transports and four [[Mil Mi-24]] attack helicopters.{{sfn|Cooper|2013|page=46}} The Porter was lost after colliding with a {{convert|3|m|frac=2}} tall anthill which damaged the plane landing gear, causing it to crash-land just a few days after arriving in Zaire.{{sfn|Cooper|2013|page=48}}{{sfn|Venter|2006|page=277}}


==Variants==
==Variants==
Line 109: Line 111:
:Designation for U.S. version, cancelled 1979.
:Designation for U.S. version, cancelled 1979.
;UV-20A Chiricahua
;UV-20A Chiricahua
:STOL utility transport version for the [[U.S. Army]]. Two UV-20As were based in [[West Berlin]] from late 1979 till 1991.
:STOL utility transport version for the [[U.S. Army]]. Two UV-20As were based in [[West Berlin]] from late 1979 until 1991.
;[[Pilatus PC-8D Twin Porter|PC-8D Twin Porter]]
;[[Pilatus PC-8D Twin Porter|PC-8D Twin Porter]]
:Twin-engined version flown in 1967, but not subsequently developed.
:Twin-engined version flown in 1967, but not subsequently developed.


==Operators==
==Operators==

{{more citations needed|section|date=October 2024}}


===Current military operators===
===Current military operators===
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* [[Chad Air Force]]<ref name="fiwaf11 p36">Hoyle ''Flight International'' 13–19 December 2011, p. 36.</ref>
* [[Chad Air Force]]<ref name="fiwaf11 p36">Hoyle ''Flight International'' 13–19 December 2011, p. 36.</ref>
;{{FRA}}
;{{FRA}}
* [[French Army]]
* [[French Army]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{ECU}}
;{{ECU}}
* [[Ecuadorian Army]]<ref name="fiwaf11 p37">Hoyle ''Flight International'' 13–19 December 2011, p. 37.</ref>
* [[Ecuadorian Army]]<ref name="fiwaf11 p37">Hoyle ''Flight International'' 13–19 December 2011, p. 37.</ref>
Line 150: Line 154:
;{{THA}}
;{{THA}}
* [[Royal Thai Air Force]]<ref name="fiwaf11 p49">Hoyle ''Flight International'' 13–19 December 2011, p. 49.</ref>
* [[Royal Thai Air Force]]<ref name="fiwaf11 p49">Hoyle ''Flight International'' 13–19 December 2011, p. 49.</ref>
* [[Bureau of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation]]
* [[Bureau of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{USA}}
;{{USA}}
* [[United States Army Special Operations Command]]:<ref name="fiwaf15 p52">Hoyle ''Flight International'' 8–14 December 2015, p. 52.</ref> 1 UV-23A, Black Daggers at Fort Liberty (NC). This aircraft (79-23254) was first operated by the [[Berlin Brigade|Berlin Brigade Aviation Detachment]] ([[Berlin Tempelhof Airport|Tempelhof Central Airport]]) of the [[United States Army Berlin]] from May 1979 to 1999. From August 1991 to May 2004, it was operated by the [[United States Army Parachute Team]].<ref>[http://www.pc-6.com/history/803.htm S/N 803], 30 April 2024, pc-6.com.</ref>
* [[United States Army]]<ref name="fiwaf15 p52">Hoyle ''Flight International'' 8–14 December 2015, p. 52.</ref>
}}
}}


===Former military operators===
===Former military operators===

[[File:Au23-2.jpg|thumb|US Air Force PC-6]]
[[File:Au23-2.jpg|thumb|US Air Force PC-6]]
{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
;{{AUS}}
;{{AUS}}
* [[Australian Army Aviation]] - 19 were in service from 1968 to 1992.
* [[Australian Army Aviation]] - 19 were in service from 1968 to 1992.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
** [[173rd Surveillance Squadron (Australia)]]
** [[173rd Surveillance Squadron (Australia)]]
** No. 161 Independent Reconnaissance Flight
** No. 161 Independent Reconnaissance Flight
Line 166: Line 171:
** School of Army Aviation
** School of Army Aviation
; [[File:Flag of Bophuthatswana (1972–1994).svg|22px]] [[Bophuthatswana]]
; [[File:Flag of Bophuthatswana (1972–1994).svg|22px]] [[Bophuthatswana]]
* [[Bophuthatswana Air Force]] - Later transferred to [[South African Air Force|South African AF]]
* [[Bophuthatswana Air Force]] - Later transferred to [[South African Air Force|South African AF]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{BOL}}{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{BOL}}
;{{COL}}
;{{COL}}
* [[Colombian Air Force]]
* [[Colombian Air Force]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
** [[SATENA]]
** [[SATENA]]
;{{ISR}}
;{{ISR}}
* [[Israeli Air Force]]
* [[Israeli Air Force]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
** [[100 Squadron (Israel)|100 Squadron]]
** [[100 Squadron (Israel)|100 Squadron]]
;{{IRQ}}
;{{IRQ}}
* [[Iraqi Army Aviation]];
* [[Iraqi Army Aviation]];{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
** Two in service with the 83rd Squadron since 20/11/1987.
** Two in service with the 83rd Squadron since 20/11/1987.
;{{OMN}}
;{{OMN}}
* [[Royal Air Force of Oman]]
* [[Royal Air Force of Oman]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{RSA}}
;{{RSA}}
* [[South African Air Force]]
* [[South African Air Force]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{SUD}}
;{{SUD}}
* [[Sudanese Air Force]] - eight ordered in 1966<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |last2=Weinert |first2=Peter |last3=Hinz |first3=Fabian |last4=Lepko |first4=Mark |title=African MiGs, Volume 2: Madagascar to Zimbabwe |date=2011 |publisher=Harpia Publishing |location=Houston |isbn=978-0-9825539-8-5 |page=112}}</ref>
* [[Sudanese Air Force]] - eight ordered in 1966<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |last2=Weinert |first2=Peter |last3=Hinz |first3=Fabian |last4=Lepko |first4=Mark |title=African MiGs, Volume 2: Madagascar to Zimbabwe |date=2011 |publisher=Harpia Publishing |location=Houston |isbn=978-0-9825539-8-5 |page=112}}</ref>
;{{THA}}
;{{THA}}
* [[Royal Thai Army]]
* [[Royal Thai Army]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{UAE}}
;{{UAE}}
* [[United Arab Emirates Air Force]]
* [[United Arab Emirates Air Force]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{USA}}
;{{USA}}
* [[United States Army]]
* [[United States Army]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
* [[United States Air Force]]
* [[United States Air Force]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{flag|Zaire}}
*[[White Legion (Zaire)|White Legion]] − Used by French mercenaries{{sfn|Cooper|2013|page=46}}{{sfn|Venter|2006|page=277}}
}}
}}


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{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
;{{MYS}}
;{{MYS}}
*[[Royal Malaysian Police]]
*[[Royal Malaysian Police]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{OMN}}
;{{OMN}}
*[[Royal Oman Police]]
*[[Royal Oman Police]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{RSA}}
;{{RSA}}
*[[South African Police Service]]
*[[South African Police Service]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{THA}}
;{{THA}}
*[[Royal Thai Police]]
*[[Royal Thai Police]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
}}
}}


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{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
;{{AUS}}
;{{AUS}}
* [[Mission Aviation Fellowship]]
* [[Mission Aviation Fellowship]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{CAN}}
;{{CAN}}
* [[North-Wright Airways]]
* [[North-Wright Airways]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{IDN}}
;{{IDN}}
* Adventist Aviation Indonesia<ref>{{Cite web|date=23 July 2019|title=Aircraft Photo of PK-TCA — Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter|url=https://www.airhistory.net/photo/378966/PK-TCA|access-date=12 October 2023|website=airhistory.net|language=en}}</ref>
* Associated Mission Aviation<ref>{{Cite web|date=22 January 2018|title=PK-RCQ — Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter|url=https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/8829769|access-date=10 February 2021|website=jetphotos.com|language=en}}</ref>
* Associated Mission Aviation<ref>{{Cite web|date=22 January 2018|title=PK-RCQ — Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter|url=https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/8829769|access-date=10 February 2021|website=jetphotos.com|language=en}}</ref>
* [[JAARS|Yajasi Aviation]]
* [[JAARS|Yajasi Aviation]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
* Smart Aviation<ref name="SA">{{cite web |last1=VOI|first1=VOI|title=Capt. M Yusuf The Victim Of The Crash Of The Plane In Nunukan Kaltara Was Found Selamat|url=https://voi.id/en/amp/364180|website=voi.id|date=10 March 2024 |publisher=VOI|access-date=13 March 2024}}</ref>
* [[Susi Air]]
* [[Susi Air]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{flagcountry|Mongolia}}
;{{flagcountry|Mongolia}}
*[[Thomas Air]]
*[[Thomas Air]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{NEP}}
;{{NEP}}
* Tara Air
* Tara Air{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{NZL}}
;{{NZL}}
* [[Mount Cook Airlines]]
* [[Mount Cook Airlines]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{CHE}}
;{{CHE}}
* [[Para Sport Club Triengen]]
* [[Para Sport Club Triengen]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{PNG}}
;{{PNG}}
* [[Mission Aviation Fellowship]]
* [[Mission Aviation Fellowship]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{THA}}
;{{THA}}
*Thai Ministry of Agriculture
*Thai Ministry of Agriculture{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{USA}}
;{{USA}}
* [[Air America (airline)|Air America]]
* [[Air America (airline)|Air America]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
* [[Continental Air Services, Inc|CASI]]
* [[Continental Air Services, Inc|CASI]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
}}
}}


Line 236: Line 245:
{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
;{{HUN}}
;{{HUN}}
*National Hydrological Service
*National Hydrological Service{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
*National Ambulance Service
*National Ambulance Service{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{IDN}}
;{{IDN}}
*[[Merpati Nusantara Airlines]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=|title=SOUTH EAST ASIA 1960s-1970s - INDONESIA & DUTCH NEW GUINEA|url=http://www.goodall.com.au/photographs/indonesia-dutch-ng-60-70/seasiaindonesiadutchng.html|access-date=10 February 2021|website=goodall.com.au}}</ref>
*[[Merpati Nusantara Airlines]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=|title=SOUTH EAST ASIA 1960s-1970s - INDONESIA & DUTCH NEW GUINEA|url=http://www.goodall.com.au/photographs/indonesia-dutch-ng-60-70/seasiaindonesiadutchng.html|access-date=10 February 2021|website=goodall.com.au}}</ref>
*[[Mimika Air]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=|title=PC-6 History s/n 959|url=http://www.pc-6.com/history/959.htm|access-date=10 February 2021|website=pc-6.com|language=en}}</ref>
*[[Mimika Air]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=|title=PC-6 History s/n 959|url=http://www.pc-6.com/history/959.htm|access-date=10 February 2021|website=pc-6.com|language=en}}</ref>
;{{NEP}}
;{{NEP}}
*[[Tara Air]]
*[[Tara Air]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
}}
}}


==Accidents and incidents==
==Accidents and incidents==
* 18 November 1981, a Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) of [[Royal Nepal Airlines]] cashed after it lost height during take-off from [[Biratnagar Airport]] in [[Nepal]]. The fatalities included 1 crew and 9 passengers with no survivors.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Crash of a Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter in Biratnagar: 10 killed {{!}} Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives |url=https://www.baaa-acro.com/crash/crash-pilatus-pc-6-turbo-porter-biratnagar-10-killed |access-date=2023-01-05 |website=www.baaa-acro.com}}</ref>
* 18 November 1981, a Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) of [[Royal Nepal Airlines]] crashed after it lost height during take-off from [[Biratnagar Airport]] in [[Nepal]]. The fatalities included 1 crew and 9 passengers with no survivors.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Crash of a Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter in Biratnagar: 10 killed {{!}} Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives |url=https://www.baaa-acro.com/crash/crash-pilatus-pc-6-turbo-porter-biratnagar-10-killed |access-date=2023-01-05 |website=www.baaa-acro.com}}</ref>
* 12 November 1991 - An Australian Army Turbo Porter A14-683<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/28758|title=Accident Pilatus PC-6/B1-H2 Turbo Porter A14-683, 12 Nov 1991|access-date=2021-03-22}}</ref> crashed after it stalled on take off, two soldiers were killed. The inquiry put pilot error onto the incident. The Aircraft was written off.
* 12 November 1991 - An Australian Army Turbo Porter A14-683<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/28758|title=Accident Pilatus PC-6/B1-H2 Turbo Porter A14-683, 12 Nov 1991|access-date=2021-03-22}}</ref> crashed after it stalled on take off, killing two soldiers. The inquiry identified pilot error as the primary cause. The aircraft was written off.
* 26 December 1999 - A Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo porter registration HB-FKJ<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=30298|title=ASN Aircraft accident 26-DEC-1999 Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter HB-FKJ|first=Harro|last=Ranter|access-date=2013-10-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023060346/http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=30298|archive-date=2013-10-23|url-status=live}}</ref> crashed near [[Turin]]. Because of heavy turbulence, a wing broke away from the fuselage causing the plane to crash; the two people aboard died.
* 26 December 1999 - A Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo porter registration HB-FKJ<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=30298|title=ASN Aircraft accident 26-DEC-1999 Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter HB-FKJ|first=Harro|last=Ranter|access-date=2013-10-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023060346/http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=30298|archive-date=2013-10-23|url-status=live}}</ref> crashed near [[Turin]]. Because of heavy turbulence, a wing broke away from the fuselage causing the plane to crash; the two people aboard died.
* 15 March 2002 - A [[United States Army]] Pilatus UV-20A collided in midair with a Cessna 182C during parachute jumping operations at [[Marana Regional Airport]], near [[Marana, Arizona]]. While the Cessna was able to land, the Pilatus entered an uncontrolled dive and crashed, killing the pilot and destroying the aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief2.aspx?ev_id=20020322X00392&ntsbno=LAX02FA110B&akey=2|title=NTSB Identification: LAX02FA110B|publisher=NTSB|access-date=15 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915205104/https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief2.aspx?ev_id=20020322X00392&ntsbno=LAX02FA110B&akey=2|archive-date=15 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 15 March 2002 - A [[United States Army]] Pilatus UV-20A collided in midair with a Cessna 182C during parachute jumping operations at [[Marana Regional Airport]], near [[Marana, Arizona]]. While the Cessna was able to land, the Pilatus entered an uncontrolled dive and crashed, killing the pilot and destroying the aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief2.aspx?ev_id=20020322X00392&ntsbno=LAX02FA110B&akey=2|title=NTSB Identification: LAX02FA110B|publisher=NTSB|access-date=15 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915205104/https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief2.aspx?ev_id=20020322X00392&ntsbno=LAX02FA110B&akey=2|archive-date=15 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 30 May 2008 - A Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo porter registration EC-JXH<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=20232|title=ASN Aircraft accident 30-MAY-2008 Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter EC-JXH|first=Harro|last=Ranter|access-date=2013-10-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023055448/http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=20232|archive-date=2013-10-23|url-status=live}}</ref> crashed near [[Lillo, Spain]]. After going into a stall, the plane's left wing broke causing the door to open, allowing nine skydivers to jump out and survive. One skydiver and the pilot died in the crash.
* 30 May 2008 - A Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo porter registration EC-JXH<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=20232|title=ASN Aircraft accident 30-MAY-2008 Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter EC-JXH|first=Harro|last=Ranter|access-date=2013-10-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023055448/http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=20232|archive-date=2013-10-23|url-status=live}}</ref> crashed near [[Lillo, Spain]]. After going into a stall, the plane's left wing broke causing the door to open, allowing nine skydivers to jump out and survive. One skydiver and the pilot died in the crash.
* 25 April 2012 - A Pilatus PC-6 (PK VVQ), operated by Susi Air, crashed in Kalimantan Timur, Melak district killing the pilot and passenger(s) which was engaged in an Aerial Survey of the area. The aircraft was reported missing at 1710 LT on 25 April with the wreckage found on 26 April, thus confirming the condition of the occupants/aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/81655/plane-crash-pilots-bodies-to-be-brought-to-jakarta|title=Plane crash pilot's bodies to be brought to Jakarta|website=www.antaranews.com|language=en|access-date=2017-02-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218065855/http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/81655/plane-crash-pilots-bodies-to-be-brought-to-jakarta|archive-date=2017-02-18|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://airflightdisaster.com/index.php/susi-air-crash-in-indonesia-kills-2-3rd-fatal-crash-in-eight-months/|title=Susi Air Crash in Indonesia Kills 2, 3rd Fatal Crash in Eight Months|date=2012-04-28|newspaper=George Hatcher's Air Flight Disaster|access-date=2017-07-02|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201194311/http://airflightdisaster.com/index.php/susi-air-crash-in-indonesia-kills-2-3rd-fatal-crash-in-eight-months/|archive-date=2017-02-01|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 25 April 2012 - A Pilatus PC-6 (PK VVQ), operated by Susi Air, crashed in Kalimantan Timur, Melak district killing the pilot and passenger(s) which was engaged in an Aerial Survey of the area. The aircraft was reported missing at 1710 LT on 25 April with the wreckage found on 26 April, thus confirming the condition of the occupants/aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/81655/plane-crash-pilots-bodies-to-be-brought-to-jakarta|title=Plane crash pilot's bodies to be brought to Jakarta|website=www.antaranews.com|date=26 April 2012 |language=en|access-date=2017-02-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218065855/http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/81655/plane-crash-pilots-bodies-to-be-brought-to-jakarta|archive-date=2017-02-18|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://airflightdisaster.com/index.php/susi-air-crash-in-indonesia-kills-2-3rd-fatal-crash-in-eight-months/|title=Susi Air Crash in Indonesia Kills 2, 3rd Fatal Crash in Eight Months|date=2012-04-28|newspaper=George Hatcher's Air Flight Disaster|access-date=2017-07-02|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201194311/http://airflightdisaster.com/index.php/susi-air-crash-in-indonesia-kills-2-3rd-fatal-crash-in-eight-months/|archive-date=2017-02-01|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 19 October 2013 - A Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter registration OO-NAC<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pc-6.com/history/710.htm|title=PC-6 History s/n 710|publisher=Pilatus Porter History|last=Herzig|first=Markus|access-date=2 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024220534/http://www.pc-6.com/history/710.htm|archive-date=24 October 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> carrying ten skydivers (instructors and students) and a pilot, lost height and impacted terrain at [[Fernelmont]] some ten minutes after takeoff from nearby [[Namur-Suarlee Airport|Namur-Suarlée Airport (EBNM)]], Belgium. All aboard died. The aircraft (S/N 710) was built in 1969 and had been rebuilt in 2002 by Pilatus Flugzeugwerke following a takeoff accident at [[Moorsele Airfield|Moorsele (EBMO)]] on 12 March 2000.<ref name="ASN#161542">{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=161542|title=ASN Aircraft accident 19-OCT-2013 Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter OO-NAC|first=Harro|last=Ranter|access-date=2013-10-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021053518/http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=161542|archive-date=2013-10-21|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 19 October 2013 - A Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter registration OO-NAC<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pc-6.com/history/710.htm|title=PC-6 History s/n 710|publisher=Pilatus Porter History|last=Herzig|first=Markus|access-date=2 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024220534/http://www.pc-6.com/history/710.htm|archive-date=24 October 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> carrying ten skydivers (instructors and students) and a pilot, lost height and impacted terrain at [[Fernelmont]] some ten minutes after takeoff from nearby [[Namur-Suarlee Airport|Namur-Suarlée Airport (EBNM)]], Belgium. All aboard died. The aircraft (S/N 710) was built in 1969 and had been rebuilt in 2002 by Pilatus Flugzeugwerke following a takeoff accident at [[Moorsele Airfield|Moorsele (EBMO)]] on 12 March 2000.<ref name="ASN#161542">{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=161542|title=ASN Aircraft accident 19-OCT-2013 Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter OO-NAC|first=Harro|last=Ranter|access-date=2013-10-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021053518/http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=161542|archive-date=2013-10-21|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 19 June 2016 - A Pilatus PC-6 disintegrated in midair while carrying seven skydivers for practice in Beja, Portugal. All skydivers survived, although two were severely wounded. The pilot was the single fatality.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gpiaa.gov.pt/wwwbase/wwwinclude/ficheiro.aspx?tipo=0&id=10475&ambiente=WebSiteMenu|title=Preliminary Report|publisher=[[Aviation Accidents Prevention and Investigation Department|GPIAA]]|access-date=2017-07-03}}</ref>
* 19 June 2016 - A Pilatus PC-6 disintegrated in midair while carrying seven skydivers for practice in Beja, Portugal. All skydivers survived, although two were severely wounded. The pilot was the single fatality.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gpiaa.gov.pt/wwwbase/wwwinclude/ficheiro.aspx?tipo=0&id=10475&ambiente=WebSiteMenu|title=Preliminary Report|publisher=[[Aviation Accidents Prevention and Investigation Department|GPIAA]]|access-date=2017-07-03}}</ref>
* 30 August 2022 - A South African Police Service PC-6 crashed shortly after taking off from [[Rand Airport]], South Africa. All five passengers died during the accident. The pilot was the sole survivor and was severely injured.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://albertonrecord.co.za/331678/four-technicians-police-officer-die-in-rand-airport-crash/|title=Four technicians, police officer die in Rand Airport crash|date=September 2022 |publisher=Alberton Record|access-date=2022-09-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zyl |first=Corné van |date=2022-09-06 |title=Pilot of HORRIFIC SAPS aircraft crash still in ICU fighting for his life [UPDATE] |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/pilot-horrific-saps-aircraft-still-cu-fighting-update-breaking-news-casper-swanepoel-update-06-september-2022/ |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=The South African |language=en-ZA}}</ref>
* 30 August 2022 - A South African Police Service PC-6 crashed shortly after taking off from [[Rand Airport]], South Africa. All five passengers died during the accident. The pilot was the sole survivor and was severely injured.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://albertonrecord.co.za/331678/four-technicians-police-officer-die-in-rand-airport-crash/|title=Four technicians, police officer die in Rand Airport crash|date=September 2022 |publisher=Alberton Record|access-date=2022-09-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zyl |first=Corné van |date=2022-09-06 |title=Pilot of HORRIFIC SAPS aircraft crash still in ICU fighting for his life [UPDATE] |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/pilot-horrific-saps-aircraft-still-cu-fighting-update-breaking-news-casper-swanepoel-update-06-september-2022/ |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=The South African |language=en-ZA}}</ref>
* 8 March 2024 - A Pilatus PC-6 (PK-SNE), operated by Smart Aviation, crashed into a forest near Binuang, Nunukan, North Kalimantan, after taking off from Juwata Tarakan International Airport. During the flight, the plane had two people: the pilot and the engineer. The pilot was the sole survivor.<ref name="SA"/><ref>{{cite web |last1=Sucipto |first1=Sucipto |title=Kisah Penyelamatan Pilot Smart Air yang Jatuh di Kaltara |url=https://www.kompas.id/baca/english/2024/03/12/en-kisah-penyelamatan-pilot-smart-air-yang-jatuh-di-kaltara?open_from=English_Page |website=kompas.id |date=12 March 2024 |publisher=Kompas |access-date=13 March 2024}}</ref>


==Specifications (PC-6 B2 Turbo-Porter)==
==Specifications (PC-6 B2 Turbo-Porter)==
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==See also==
==See also==
{{External media|topic= |width=20% |align=right |video1=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92ErTsiMwLw Documentary featuring the PC-6] |video2=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMzN_Gb8AXk STOL takeoff performed by a PC-6] |video3=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3hyfkcZ59w PC-6 display at the 2009 Durban Virginia airshow]}}
{{External media|topic= |width=20% |float=right |video1=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92ErTsiMwLw Documentary featuring the PC-6] |video2=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMzN_Gb8AXk STOL takeoff performed by a PC-6] |video3=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3hyfkcZ59w PC-6 display at the 2009 Durban Virginia airshow]}}
{{Portal|Switzerland|Aviation}}
{{Portal|Switzerland|Aviation}}
{{aircontent|
{{aircontent|
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===Bibliography===
===Bibliography===
*{{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |title=Great Lakes Holocaust: First Congo War, 1996−1997 |date=2013 |publisher=Helion and Company |isbn=978-1-909384-65-1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SuXZAwAAQBAJ |language=en}}
* Fricker, John. [https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=W9hDaNOiAXEC&pg=PA38 "Pilot Report: Pilatus".] ''[[Flying (magazine)|Flying]]'', Vol. 70, No. 4. April 1962. ISSN 0015-4806. pp.&nbsp;38, 100–103.
* Fricker, John. [https://books.google.com/books?id=W9hDaNOiAXEC&pg=PA38 "Pilot Report: Pilatus".] ''[[Flying (magazine)|Flying]]'', Vol. 70, No. 4. April 1962. ISSN 0015-4806. pp.&nbsp;38, 100–103.
* Hoyle, Craig. "World Air Forces Directory". ''[[Flight International]]'', Vol. 180, No. 5321, 13–19 December 2011. pp.&nbsp;26–52. {{ISSN|0015-3710}}.
* Hoyle, Craig. "World Air Forces Directory". ''[[Flight International]]'', Vol. 180, No. 5321, 13–19 December 2011. pp.&nbsp;26–52. {{ISSN|0015-3710}}.
* Hoyle, Craig. "World Air Forces Directory". ''Flight International'', Vol. 180, No. 5517, 8–14 December 2015. pp.&nbsp;26–53. ISSN 0015-3710.
* Hoyle, Craig. "World Air Forces Directory". ''Flight International'', Vol. 180, No. 5517, 8–14 December 2015. pp.&nbsp;26–53. ISSN 0015-3710.
Line 365: Line 376:
* Johnson, E.R. and Lloyd S. Jones. ''American Military Transport Aircraft Since 1925.'' McFarland, 2013. {{ISBN|1-4766-0155-0}}.
* Johnson, E.R. and Lloyd S. Jones. ''American Military Transport Aircraft Since 1925.'' McFarland, 2013. {{ISBN|1-4766-0155-0}}.
* Lambert, Mark. ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1993–1994''. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Data Division, 1993. {{ISBN|0-7106-1066-1}}.
* Lambert, Mark. ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1993–1994''. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Data Division, 1993. {{ISBN|0-7106-1066-1}}.
* Moll, Nigel. [https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=XPB1MpYNfPUC&pg=PA62 "Ugly is Only Skin-Deep."] ''Flying'', Vol. 120, No. 2. February 1993. ISSN 0015-4806. pp.&nbsp;62–68.
* Moll, Nigel. [https://books.google.com/books?id=XPB1MpYNfPUC&pg=PA62 "Ugly is Only Skin-Deep."] ''Flying'', Vol. 120, No. 2. February 1993. ISSN 0015-4806. pp.&nbsp;62–68.
* [[John W. R. Taylor|Taylor, John W. R.]] ''Janes's All The World's Aircraft 1965–66''. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Company, 1965.
* [[John W. R. Taylor|Taylor, John W. R.]] ''Janes's All The World's Aircraft 1965–66''. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Company, 1965.
* Taylor, Michael J. H. ''Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1999/2000 Edition''. London: Brassey's, 1999. {{ISBN|1-85753-245-7}}.
* Taylor, Michael J. H. ''Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1999/2000 Edition''. London: Brassey's, 1999. {{ISBN|1-85753-245-7}}.
*{{cite book |last1=Venter |first1=Al J. |title=War Dog: Fighting Other People's Wars: The Modern Mercenary in Combat |date=2006 |publisher=Lancer Publishers |isbn=978-81-7062-174-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hIJDxmNVcGcC |language=en}}
* [https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=28758 Accident Pilatus PC-6/B1-H2 Turbo Porter A14-683, 12 Nov 1991]
* [https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=28758 Accident Pilatus PC-6/B1-H2 Turbo Porter A14-683, 12 Nov 1991]


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[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1959]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1959]]
[[Category:STOL aircraft]]
[[Category:STOL aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft with fixed conventional landing gear]]

Latest revision as of 22:57, 10 November 2024

PC-6 Porter/Turbo-Porter
A PC-6 Turbo-Porter, B2-H4 PT6A-34 variant, used for skydiving in Spain
General information
TypeSTOL passenger and utility aircraft
ManufacturerPilatus Aircraft
Fairchild Aircraft
StatusIn service
Primary usersCivil aviation
Number built604[1]
History
Manufactured1959–2022[1]
First flightPorter - 4 May 1959
Turbo-Porter - 2 May 1961.
VariantsFairchild AU-23 Peacemaker

The Pilatus PC-6 Porter is a single-engined STOL utility aircraft designed by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland. First flown in 1959, the PC-6 was produced at Pilatus Flugzeugwerke in Stans, Switzerland. It has been built in both piston engine- and turboprop-powered versions, and was produced under licence for a time by Fairchild Hiller in the United States. After 604 deliveries in 63 years, Pilatus ended production in 2022.[1]

Development

[edit]

On 4 May 1959, the first prototype, powered by a 254 kW (340 shp) piston engine, made its maiden flight.[2] In early May 1961, the first Turbo Porter, powered by a Turbomeca Astazou II turboprop engine, performed its initial flight.[3] In comparison to its earlier piston engine-powered incarnation, the Astazou II-equipped Turbo Porter had an increased gross capacity and top speed, as well as benefitting from the engine's automatic handling functions. These benefits came at the expense of the greater initial purchase cost and higher fuel consumption.[3] Both the piston and turbine-engine versions of the PC-6 became quickly known for their Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capabilities, requiring only a very short takeoff run before being ready for rotation prior to taking off.[4] Its unit cost in 1962 was $55,000[5]

The initial turbine-powered models of the PC-6 were equipped with the Astazou II powerplant, however complaints on the reliability of this engine led to another early turboprop powerplant becoming available for the PC-6. This was the Garrett Air Research TPE 331. Some operators such as Air America chose to retrofit their Astazou II-powered PC-6s with the TPE 331 engine.[6] In May 1966, the first PC-6 to be equipped with the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engine performed its maiden flight.[7]

To offset rising labour and manufacturing costs in Switzerland, Pilatus distributed manufacturing work on the PC-6 to other countries; in 1993, Czech Republic–based Letov Kbely began manufacturing activity upon the type.[8] Its unit cost in 2010 was $1,900,000.[9] In 2013, Pilatus formed a joint venture with Beijing Tian Xing Jian Yu Science Co., Ltd. to locally manufacture the PC-6 and the newer Pilatus PC-12 in Chongqing, China; initially this facility performed subassembly work on the fuselage, and later other elements such as the wings and moving surfaces, which were transported to Pilatus' final assembly facility in Stans, Switzerland.[10][11] Global production of the PC-6 will eventually be transferred to the Chongqing facility. On 11 December 2014, the first Chinese-assembled PC-6 fuselage was completed.[12][13] In 2014, the majority of PC-6s delivered that year were to Chinese customers.[14] By April 2016, around 20 PC-6s were in operation in the Chinese market; the type has often been used to replace the Antonov An-2, being reportedly cheaper to operate.[15]

The Porter was also manufactured under license by Fairchild Hiller in the United States. Roughly 100 of these licence-produced aircraft would be completed, being mainly purchased by civil operators within the US.[6][16] A number of Fairchild Hiller-built PC-6s were also procured for military operations during the Vietnam War. It received the designation AU-23A Peacemaker for service with the U.S. Air Force. The Peacemaker was fitted with a side-firing 20mm XM-197 Gatling cannon, four wing pylons and a centre fuselage station for external ordnance. However, the AU-23A proved to be troublesome in service. All of them were returned to the continental U.S. and placed into storage after only a single year of operation. In 1979, a pair of UV-20s were assigned to the aviation detachment of the Berlin Brigade in Germany due to their suitability for operating within the heavily restricted airspace; they were fitted for carrying either cargo, up to eleven passengers, or three litters with four medical attendants.[17]

After nearly 600 deliveries in six decades including about 90 Fairchild-Hiller built and 425 PT6-powered, but only 52 in the last ten years, Pilatus will close the orderbook from summer 2018 and will roll off the last one in early 2019 while parts production will continue for at least 20 years.[18] Due to pandemic delays, the last PC-6 Porter was instead delivered in December 2022 after 604 produced in 63 years.[1]

Design

[edit]
PC-6 cabin interior, circa 1960s

The Pilatus PC-6 Porter is a Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) utility aircraft. The majority of aircraft are powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop engine, which drives a fully reversible, constant-speed, three-bladed HC-B3TN-3D (or an alternative four-bladed HC-D4N-3P) Hartzell aluminium propeller via a reduction gearbox.[19][20][21] Pilatus claims that it possesses unique STOL capabilities, capable of landing in places only otherwise accessible by rotorcraft.[20] It is fully capable of being operated from unprepared rough airstrips, in remote areas, hot climates and at high altitudes in all-weather conditions. In particular, the undercarriage employed provides for high wing and propeller clearances, making the PC-6 less susceptible to damage than conventional nosewheel-type undercarriages.[20] For further landing versatility, various types of landing gear may be optionally installed allowing it to operate from different types of terrain; options include floats for water landings and skis for landing on snow.[19]

Early models of the PC-6 were equipped with a full instrument panel as standard, and were reportedly easy for unfamiliar pilots to intuit.[22] Later-manufactured PC-6s are equipped with a Garmin G950 glass cockpit in place of analog instrumentation; the majority of earlier-produced PC-6s can also be retrofitted with a glass cockpit.[9][23] In addition to its flight functionality, the G950 system acts as a remote maintenance unit and electronic flight bag all in one. Two large 10.4-inch liquid-crystal displays (LCDs) are present, functioning as the Primary Flight Display for all key flight information and the Multi-function Display for system/mission management. Fully independent secondary flight instrumentation is also provided to provide backup altitude, attitude, and airspeed information in the event of complete electrical failure.[9][20] The cockpit has been designed for single pilot operations; additional flight controls for a co-pilot can be optionally fitted.[19] Other optional features include an autopilot (capable of operating within all phases of flight), traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS), terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS), weather radar, satellite phone, LIDAR, forward-looking infrared (FLIR) and lightning detector; in addition, onboard electrical and avionics equipment are readily modifiable to conform with customer requirements.[9][20]

Analog cockpit instrumentation of a PC-6, 2007

The airframe is of a rugged and low-maintenance construction; featuring high levels of accessibility, interchangeability, and favourable manning levels.[20] The wings, fuselage, and empennage are manufactured using conventional semi-monocoque construction techniques, the primary structure being composed of aluminium;[20] the central structure retains critical strength despite the cutout areas for the sliding doors of the main cabin.[22] Corrosion resistance is achieved via a combination of plating and a polyurethane-based enamel paint.[20] The simple nature of the structure allows for ease of repair in the field.[16] Features such as low-pressure tyres, twin-caliper disc brakes, and a highly energy-absorbent undercarriage enable the aircraft to be capable of operating from rough or otherwise challenging terrain.[24]

For role flexibility, individual aircraft can be easily converted between various mission types, such as transport, paradrop, aerial photography, surveillance, air medical services and search and rescue duties.[19][20] A maximum of ten passengers, or a 2,200 lb payload, may be carried within the aircraft's main cabin area within the rear section of the fuselage; the standard passenger seats are designed to allow for rapid removal and may be stowed within an optional separate externally-accessed seat stowage compartment behind the main cabin.[20][25] The main cabin area is furnished with soundproofing measures, ventilation, and heating as standard.[22] A maximum of three fuel tanks can also be carried in the main cabin, accordingly reducing payload capacity, to increase the aircraft's flight endurance.[20] In addition to the large sliding doors at either side of the main cabin, separate hinged doors are present on either side of the cockpit; an optional pilot-controlled trapdoor, to accommodate supply drops or surveillance payloads, may also be installed in the center of the cabin floor without any design changes required.[6][19][26] Additional equipment include a firefighting system, aerial application system, underwing tanks, sand filters, propeller de-icing system, mudguard, tailwheel debris guard, oxygen system, and additional power distribution system.[16][20][27]

Operational history

[edit]
Slovenian Air Force Pilatus PC-6 STOL landing at the Murska Sobota Airfield

The PC-6 is noted for its Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) performance on almost any type of terrain - it can take off within a distance of 640 feet (195 m) and land within a distance of 427 feet (130 m) while carrying a payload of 2,646 lbs (1,200 kg). Thanks to its STOL performance, the PC-6 holds the world record for highest landing by a fixed-wing aircraft, at 18,865 feet (5,750 m), on the Dhaulagiri glacier in Nepal.[28]

Due to the type's favourable STOL characteristics, described by the magazine Flying as being "one of the most helicopter-like airplanes in terms of takeoff performance", Pilatus has deliberately marketed the PC-6 towards helicopter operators at times, feeling the type to be complementary to their typical mode of operation.[16] According to Pilatus, the PC-6 can provide very similar surveillance capabilities to a rotorcraft at a significantly lower cost to operate and procure.[8]

Peruvian Air Force PC-6, 2014

During its early service, the PC-6 Porter was noted for its high level of comfort and usability against competing aircraft.[29] The type has also proven to have a long service life; by 1993, roughly 440 of the 500 PC-6 Turbo Porters completed by that point were still in service.[16]

During the 1960s and 1970s, the Central Intelligence Agency-controlled airline Air America operated up to 23 PC-6s at a time. Many of these were operated in the South-East Asia region, including South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The type was used for various missions, including paradropping supplies to troops, passenger transport, psychological warfare, reconnaissance, prisoner conveyance, airborne radio relay, and other intelligence operations.[6]

Since 1976, the Austrian Air Force has operated a fleet of 12 PC-6 Porters as the mainstay of their fixed-wing transport fleet; the type has been used in various support roles, including transport, search and rescue, firefighting, observation, target-towing and paradropping.[30][31]

According to Flying magazine, around 40 per cent of all PC-6s in use in Europe during the early 1990s were being used by skydivers.[7]

In 1996, during the First Congo War, Zaire's president Mobutu Sese Seko hired Western European mercenaries (mostly French and Belgian) in an attempt to stop a Rwandan-led offensive. This contingent (part of the White Legion) was supported by a BAE Andover and a Pilatus PC-6B Turbo Porter transports and four Mil Mi-24 attack helicopters.[32] The Porter was lost after colliding with a 3 metres (10 ft) tall anthill which damaged the plane landing gear, causing it to crash-land just a few days after arriving in Zaire.[33][34]

Variants

[edit]
A PC-6/350 Porter
PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo-Porter. YL-CCQ is currently (2017) used by Skydive Estonia as a jump plane.
A Fairchild Porter
Pilatus PC-6/ B2-H4 in flight
UV-20
PC-6/340 Porter
Initial production version, powered by a 254-kW (340-hp) Lycoming GSO-480-B1A6 flat-six piston engine. Max takeoff weight 1,960 kg (4,320 lb).[2]
PC-6/340-H1 Porter
As PC-6/340, but with modified landing gear and increased weight (2,016 kg (4,444 lb)).[2]
PC-6/340-H2 Porter
As for H-2, but with maximum takeoff weight increased to 2,200 kg (4,850 lb).[2]
PC-6/350 Porter
As PC-6/340, but powered by a 261 kW (350 hp) Lycoming IGO-540-A1A piston engine.[2]
PC-6/350-H1 Porter
As for /340 H1 but with O-540 engine.[2]
PC-6/350-H2 Porter
As for 340 H2 with O-540 engine.[2]
PC-6/A Turbo-Porter
Initial turboprop powered version, fitted with a 390 kW (523 shp) Turbomeca Astazou IIE or IIG turboprop engine.[2]
PC-6/A1 Turbo-Porter
This 1968 version was powered by a 427-kW (573-shp) Turbomeca Astazou XII turboprop engine.
PC-6/A2 Turbo-Porter
This 1971 version was powered by a 427-kW (573-shp) Turbomeca Astazou XIVE turboprop engine.
PC-6/B Turbo-Porter
This version was powered by a 410-kW (550-shp) Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-6A turboprop engine.
PC-6/B1 Turbo-Porter
Similar to the PC-6/B, but fitted with a 410-kW (550-shp) Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-20 turboprop engine.
PC-6/B2-H2 Turbo-Porter
Fitted with a 507-kW (680-shp) Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-27 turboprop engine.
PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo-Porter
The B2-H4 has improved airframe structuring and extended, upturned wingtips.
PC-6/C Turbo-Porter
One prototype built by Fairchild Industries in the United States, powered by a 429-kW (575-shp) Garrett TPE331-25D turboprop engine.
PC-6/C1 Turbo-Porter
Similar to the PC-6/C, but fitted with a 429-kW (575-shp) Garrett TPE 331-1-100 turboprop engine.
PC-6/C2-H2 Porter
Developed by Fairchild Industries in the USA. It was powered by a 485-ekW (650-ehp) Garrett TPE 331-101F turboprop engine.
PC-6/D-H3 Porter
One prototype, fitted with a 373-kW (500-hp) avco Lycoming turbocharged piston engine.
AU-23A Peacemaker
Armed gunship, counter-insurgency, utility transport version for the U.S. Air Force. It was used during the Vietnam War in the early 1970s. 15 were built under licence in the USA by Fairchild Industries.[35] All aircraft were sold to Royal Thai Air Force.
OV-12
Designation for U.S. version, cancelled 1979.
UV-20A Chiricahua
STOL utility transport version for the U.S. Army. Two UV-20As were based in West Berlin from late 1979 until 1991.
PC-8D Twin Porter
Twin-engined version flown in 1967, but not subsequently developed.

Operators

[edit]

Current military operators

[edit]
Austrian Air Force PC-6, 2013
 Algeria
 Angola
 Argentina
 Austria
 Burma (Myanmar)
 Chad
 France
 Ecuador
 Indonesia
 Iran
 Mexico
 Peru
 Slovenia
 Switzerland
 Thailand
 United States

Former military operators

[edit]
US Air Force PC-6
 Australia
Bophuthatswana
 Bolivia[citation needed]
 Colombia
 Israel
 Iraq
 Oman
 South Africa
 Sudan
 Thailand
 United Arab Emirates
 United States
 Zaire

Law enforcement operators

[edit]
South African Police Pilatus PC-6
 Malaysia
 Oman
 South Africa
 Thailand

Civil operators

[edit]
Mount Cook Ski Planes PC-6 upon Franz Josef Glacier, 1999
 Australia
 Canada
 Indonesia
 Mongolia
 Nepal
 New Zealand
 Switzerland
 Papua New Guinea
 Thailand
 United States

Former civil operators

[edit]
 Hungary
 Indonesia
 Nepal

Accidents and incidents

[edit]
  • 18 November 1981, a Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) of Royal Nepal Airlines crashed after it lost height during take-off from Biratnagar Airport in Nepal. The fatalities included 1 crew and 9 passengers with no survivors.[57]
  • 12 November 1991 - An Australian Army Turbo Porter A14-683[58] crashed after it stalled on take off, killing two soldiers. The inquiry identified pilot error as the primary cause. The aircraft was written off.
  • 26 December 1999 - A Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo porter registration HB-FKJ[59] crashed near Turin. Because of heavy turbulence, a wing broke away from the fuselage causing the plane to crash; the two people aboard died.
  • 15 March 2002 - A United States Army Pilatus UV-20A collided in midair with a Cessna 182C during parachute jumping operations at Marana Regional Airport, near Marana, Arizona. While the Cessna was able to land, the Pilatus entered an uncontrolled dive and crashed, killing the pilot and destroying the aircraft.[60]
  • 30 May 2008 - A Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo porter registration EC-JXH[61] crashed near Lillo, Spain. After going into a stall, the plane's left wing broke causing the door to open, allowing nine skydivers to jump out and survive. One skydiver and the pilot died in the crash.
  • 25 April 2012 - A Pilatus PC-6 (PK VVQ), operated by Susi Air, crashed in Kalimantan Timur, Melak district killing the pilot and passenger(s) which was engaged in an Aerial Survey of the area. The aircraft was reported missing at 1710 LT on 25 April with the wreckage found on 26 April, thus confirming the condition of the occupants/aircraft.[62][63]
  • 19 October 2013 - A Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter registration OO-NAC[64] carrying ten skydivers (instructors and students) and a pilot, lost height and impacted terrain at Fernelmont some ten minutes after takeoff from nearby Namur-Suarlée Airport (EBNM), Belgium. All aboard died. The aircraft (S/N 710) was built in 1969 and had been rebuilt in 2002 by Pilatus Flugzeugwerke following a takeoff accident at Moorsele (EBMO) on 12 March 2000.[65]
  • 19 June 2016 - A Pilatus PC-6 disintegrated in midair while carrying seven skydivers for practice in Beja, Portugal. All skydivers survived, although two were severely wounded. The pilot was the single fatality.[66]
  • 30 August 2022 - A South African Police Service PC-6 crashed shortly after taking off from Rand Airport, South Africa. All five passengers died during the accident. The pilot was the sole survivor and was severely injured.[67][68]
  • 8 March 2024 - A Pilatus PC-6 (PK-SNE), operated by Smart Aviation, crashed into a forest near Binuang, Nunukan, North Kalimantan, after taking off from Juwata Tarakan International Airport. During the flight, the plane had two people: the pilot and the engineer. The pilot was the sole survivor.[54][69]

Specifications (PC-6 B2 Turbo-Porter)

[edit]
Fairchild AU-23A Peacemaker with XM197 20mm cannon

Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1993–1994,[70] Pilatus Aircraft,[19][71] Flying Magazine[72]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: up to 10 pax / 1,130 kg (2,491 lb)
  • Length: 11 m (36 ft 1 in)
  • Wingspan: 15.87 m (52 ft 1 in)
  • Height: 3.2 m (10 ft 6 in)
  • Wing area: 30.15 m2 (324.5 sq ft)
  • Airfoil: NACA 64-514[73]
  • Empty weight: 1,270 kg (2,800 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 2,800 kg (6,173 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-27 turboprop engine, 410 kW (550 hp) (de-rated from 507 kW (680 hp))
  • Propellers: 3-bladed constant-speed reversible propeller

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 232 km/h (144 mph, 125 kn) [74]
  • Cruise speed: 213 km/h (132 mph, 115 kn)
  • Stall speed: 96 km/h (60 mph, 52 kn)
  • Never exceed speed: 280 km/h (170 mph, 150 kn)
  • Range: 730 km (450 mi, 390 nmi) with maximum payload
  • Ferry range: 1,612 km (1,002 mi, 870 nmi) with maximum internal and underwing fuel
  • Service ceiling: 8,197 m (26,893 ft)
  • Wing loading: 93 kg/m2 (19 lb/sq ft)

See also

[edit]
External videos
video icon Documentary featuring the PC-6
video icon STOL takeoff performed by a PC-6
video icon PC-6 display at the 2009 Durban Virginia airshow

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

[edit]

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Chad Trautvetter (13 December 2022). "Pilatus Aircraft Delivers Last PC-6 Porter". AIN online.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Taylor 1965, pp. 126–127.
  3. ^ a b Fricker 1962, p. 38.
  4. ^ Fricker 1962, p. 102.
  5. ^ Fricker 1962, p. 103.
  6. ^ a b c d Leeker, Joe F. "Air America: Pilatus / Fairchild PC-6 Turbo Porters." Archived 2016-03-06 at the Wayback Machine University of Texas at Dallas, 24 August 2015.
  7. ^ a b Moll 1993, p. 65.
  8. ^ a b Moxon, Julian. "Small is beautiful." Archived 2016-04-01 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 12 June 1996.
  9. ^ a b c d Collins, Peter. "FLIGHT TEST: Pilatus PC-6." Archived 2016-04-01 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 28 September 2010.
  10. ^ Spruce, Terry. "Pilatus forms joint venture and opens new facility in China." Archived 2016-03-15 at the Wayback Machine Corporate Jet Investor, 7 August 2013.
  11. ^ "Pilatus Bets On PC-6 Porter for China." Archived 2016-04-01 at the Wayback Machine Aviation Week, 11 November 2014.
  12. ^ "Swiss PC-6 aircraft fuselage tapes out." Archived 2016-04-02 at the Wayback Machine China Daily, 18 December 2014.
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  14. ^ Trautvetter, Chad. "Pilatus Tops $1B in Revenues for Second Year in a Row." Archived 2015-08-07 at the Wayback Machine AIN Online, 9 April 2015.
  15. ^ Thurber, Matt. "Pilatus PC-6 Proves Popular in China." AIN Online, 13 April 2016.
  16. ^ a b c d e Moll 1993, p. 64.
  17. ^ Johnson and Jones 2013, pp. 433.
  18. ^ William Garvey (25 April 2018). "End Of The Line For Pilatus PC-6 Porter". Aviation Week & Space Technology. Archived from the original on 2 May 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
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  21. ^ "Datalink." Archived 2016-04-01 at the Wayback Machine Flying Magazine, November 2002. p. 50. Vol. 129, No. 11. ISSN 0015-4806.
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  33. ^ Cooper 2013, p. 48.
  34. ^ a b Venter 2006, p. 277.
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  36. ^ "World Air Forces 2022". Flightglobal. 2022. Retrieved 14 April 2022.
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  38. ^ Rivas, Santiago (April 2021). "Cracking the Drug cartels". Air International. Vol. 100, no. 4. pp. 46–49. ISSN 0306-5634.
  39. ^ Hoyle Flight International 8–14 December 2015, p. 33.
  40. ^ a b Hoyle Flight International 8–14 December 2015, p. 43.
  41. ^ Hoyle Flight International 13–19 December 2011, p. 36.
  42. ^ Hoyle Flight International 13–19 December 2011, p. 37.
  43. ^ "Satud Tani, Perangi Hama dan Wabah". aviahistoria.com (in Indonesian). 24 August 2020. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  44. ^ Hoyle Flight International 8–14 December 2015, p. 40.
  45. ^ Hoyle Flight International 8–14 December 2015, p. 45.
  46. ^ Hoyle Flight International 8–14 December 2015, p. 47.
  47. ^ Hoyle Flight International 8–14 December 2015, p. 49.
  48. ^ Hoyle Flight International 13–19 December 2011, p. 49.
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  50. ^ S/N 803, 30 April 2024, pc-6.com.
  51. ^ Cooper, Tom; Weinert, Peter; Hinz, Fabian; Lepko, Mark (2011). African MiGs, Volume 2: Madagascar to Zimbabwe. Houston: Harpia Publishing. p. 112. ISBN 978-0-9825539-8-5.
  52. ^ "Aircraft Photo of PK-TCA — Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter". airhistory.net. 23 July 2019. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
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  54. ^ a b VOI, VOI (10 March 2024). "Capt. M Yusuf The Victim Of The Crash Of The Plane In Nunukan Kaltara Was Found Selamat". voi.id. VOI. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
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  56. ^ "PC-6 History s/n 959". pc-6.com. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
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  58. ^ "Accident Pilatus PC-6/B1-H2 Turbo Porter A14-683, 12 Nov 1991". Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  59. ^ Ranter, Harro. "ASN Aircraft accident 26-DEC-1999 Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter HB-FKJ". Archived from the original on 23 October 2013. Retrieved 22 October 2013.
  60. ^ "NTSB Identification: LAX02FA110B". NTSB. Archived from the original on 15 September 2017. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
  61. ^ Ranter, Harro. "ASN Aircraft accident 30-MAY-2008 Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter EC-JXH". Archived from the original on 23 October 2013. Retrieved 22 October 2013.
  62. ^ "Plane crash pilot's bodies to be brought to Jakarta". www.antaranews.com. 26 April 2012. Archived from the original on 18 February 2017. Retrieved 17 February 2017.
  63. ^ "Susi Air Crash in Indonesia Kills 2, 3rd Fatal Crash in Eight Months". George Hatcher's Air Flight Disaster. 28 April 2012. Archived from the original on 1 February 2017. Retrieved 2 July 2017.
  64. ^ Herzig, Markus. "PC-6 History s/n 710". Pilatus Porter History. Archived from the original on 24 October 2016. Retrieved 2 July 2017.
  65. ^ Ranter, Harro. "ASN Aircraft accident 19-OCT-2013 Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter OO-NAC". Archived from the original on 21 October 2013. Retrieved 20 October 2013.
  66. ^ "Preliminary Report". GPIAA. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  67. ^ "Four technicians, police officer die in Rand Airport crash". Alberton Record. September 2022. Retrieved 5 September 2022.
  68. ^ Zyl, Corné van (6 September 2022). "Pilot of HORRIFIC SAPS aircraft crash still in ICU fighting for his life [UPDATE]". The South African. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
  69. ^ Sucipto, Sucipto (12 March 2024). "Kisah Penyelamatan Pilot Smart Air yang Jatuh di Kaltara". kompas.id. Kompas. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
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  72. ^ Moll 1993, p. 68
  73. ^ Lednicer, David. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". m-selig.ae.illinois.edu. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
  74. ^ Taylor 1999, p. 489.

Bibliography

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