Pilatus PC-6 Porter

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]

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 unit) 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 respectively; 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]

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]

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.[32] 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 till 1991.

PC-8D Twin Porter

Twin-engined version flown in 1967, but not subsequently developed.

• 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.[52]
• 12 November 1991 - An Australian Army Turbo Porter A14-683[53] crashed after it stalled on take off, two soldiers were killed. The inquiry put pilot error onto the incident. The Aircraft was written off.
• 26 December 1999 - A Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo porter registration HB-FKJ[54] 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.[55]
• 30 May 2008 - A Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo porter registration EC-JXH[56] 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.[57][58]
• 19 October 2013 - A Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter registration OO-NAC[59] 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.[60]
• 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.[61]
• 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.[62][63]

Fairchild AU-23A Peacemaker with XM197 20mm cannon

Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1993–1994,[64] Pilatus Aircraft,[19][65] Flying Magazine[66]

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[67]
• 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) [68]
• 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)

External video
Documentary featuring the PC-6
STOL takeoff performed by a PC-6
PC-6 display at the 2009 Durban Virginia airshow

Related development

• Fairchild AU-23 Peacemaker
• Pilatus PC-8D Twin Porter

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

• Antonov An-2/An-3
• Comp Air 8
• Daher Kodiak
• de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter
• GippsAero GA10
• PAC P-750 XSTOL

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Pilatus PC-6.

• Pilatus PC-6 Porter webpage
• The PILATUS PORTER World by Markus Herzig