Book a Pilatus PC-12/45
Pilatus PC-12/45
Very light jet
The Pilatus PC-12/45 builds on the proven foundation of the original PC-12, enhancing its payload and operational capabilities. The “/45” refers to its increased maximum takeoff weight of 4,500 kg (9,921 lb), allowing greater range and flexibility. Combining rugged short-field performance with a spacious cabin and large cargo door, the PC-12/45 offers unmatched versatility for business, cargo, and special missions.
Enhanced Payload, Same Proven Performance
Overview
Introduced in the mid-1990s, the Pilatus PC-12/45 marked the first major evolution of the PC-12 family. The “/45” designation refers to its increased maximum takeoff weight of 4,500 kg (9,921 lb), a significant improvement over the original model. This upgrade allowed the aircraft to carry more passengers, baggage, or fuel, enhancing both range and mission flexibility.
While retaining the reliable PT6A-67B engine, the short-field performance, and the large, versatile cabin that made the original PC-12 a success, the /45 offered operators a more capable platform for longer routes, heavier payloads, and multi-role operations.
This combination of increased operational capacity and the PC-12’s signature versatility made the PC-12/45 a popular choice among corporate operators, regional carriers, and special mission organizations worldwide.
Spacious, Adaptable, and Mission-Ready
Luxury interior
The Pilatus PC-12/45 retains the generous cabin of the original PC-12 while offering increased payload capacity, allowing operators to carry more passengers, luggage, or equipment without compromising comfort. Its flat-floor design, large windows, and modular layouts make it equally suited for executive travel, cargo operations, or specialized missions.
More Payload, Same Comfort
With a higher maximum takeoff weight, the PC-12/45 can carry more passengers or baggage while maintaining cabin comfort. This upgrade enables longer trips or heavier loads without sacrificing interior quality.
Flexible Cabin Configurations
The cabin can be arranged for executive, commuter, or special-mission layouts, accommodating up to nine passengers. This flexibility allows operators to tailor the aircraft to their exact mission requirements.
Bright and Practical Space
Large oval windows flood the cabin with natural light, while the flat floor and smart interior design maximize usable space. The result is a cabin that feels open, practical, and comfortable for a variety of missions.
Key Specifications & Performance
Technical Characteristics
The Pilatus PC-12/45 combines the original PC-12’s legendary short-field and unpaved runway performance with increased payload capacity for greater mission flexibility. Its powerful single-engine turboprop design allows operations from short, grass, gravel, and remote airstrips that many jets simply can’t reach. With enhanced range, endurance, and the ability to carry more passengers or cargo, the PC-12/45 delivers exceptional operational access and efficiency, whether for business travel or demanding special missions.
Performance
Maximum Cruise Speed
≈ 260 KTAS (482 km/h), powered by the reliable PT6A-67B engine, delivering solid cruise performance.
Maximum Range
≈ 1,845 NM (3,417 km), improved over the original model thanks to the increased maximum takeoff weight, allowing more fuel and payload flexibility.
Service Ceiling
≈ 30,000 ft (9,144 m), enabling smooth operations above most weather systems.
Takeoff Distance
≈ 2,650 ft (808 m), excellent short-field performance for operations at regional or unimproved airstrips.
Landing Distance
≈ 1,830 ft (558 m), ideal for accessing remote or smaller airports with ease.
Rate of Climb
≈ 1,920 ft/min, steady climb performance for a single-engine turboprop in this category.
Capacity
Passengers
Typically 6–9 passengers, depending on configuration (executive, commuter, cargo, or medevac).
Crew
Certified for single-pilot operation, with the option for a co-pilot if needed.
Cabin Volume
≈ 330 cu ft (9.3 m³), offering one of the most spacious cabins in its class.
Cabin Dimensions
Length: 16.9 ft (5.15 m)
Width: 5 ft (1.52 m)
Height: 4.8 ft (1.45 m)
Fuel & Engines
Fuel Capacity
≈ 2,704 liters (714 US gallons), enabling longer nonstop flights and enhanced mission endurance compared to the original PC-12.
Engines
1 Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B, flat-rated for consistent performance in varied conditions.
Renowned worldwide for reliability, efficiency, and ease of maintenance.
Thrust (each)
1,200 shp, providing strong acceleration, efficient cruise, and excellent short-field performance from grass or gravel runways.
Cargo & Access
Cargo Door Size
Large rear cargo door measuring approximately 4 ft 4 in × 4 ft 4 in (1.32 m × 1.32 m), a distinctive PC-12 feature, allowing easy loading of freight, baggage, or specialized equipment.
Baggage Compartment
Integrated internal baggage and cargo space designed for flexible use.
Large enough for up to 9 passengers’ luggage, medical equipment, or cargo pallets.
Easily accessible and ideal for mixed passenger-freight operations.
More Capacity and Greater Mission Flexibility
Key feature
The Pilatus PC-12/45 builds upon the strengths of the original PC-12 with significant payload and performance enhancements, all while preserving its hallmark versatility. By increasing the maximum takeoff weight and optimizing the aircraft’s balance between payload and cabin comfort, the PC-12/45 gives operators the freedom to fly longer, heavier, and more complex missions without compromising efficiency or passenger experience.
Increased Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)
Performance & Technical Excellence
The key upgrade of the PC-12/45 is its higher MTOW of 4,500 kg (9,921 lb), up from 4,100 kg on the original. This boost allows operators to carry more passengers, baggage, or fuel, extending the aircraft’s range and endurance. The increase in weight capacity enhances mission versatility, making the PC-12/45 ideal for longer routes, more demanding operations, and expanded commercial or special-mission use all while maintaining its legendary runway performance.
Enhanced Payload Flexibility Without Sacrificing Cabin Comfort
Passenger Comfort & Experience
Unlike many aircraft that trade payload for passenger comfort, the PC-12/45 offers both. Its spacious, pressurized cabin remains unchanged, but thanks to the increased MTOW, operators can fully utilize the interior’s capacity flying with more passengers and baggage without compromising performance. This makes the PC-12/45 a uniquely capable aircraft for operators who need to maximize utility and comfort simultaneously, whether for corporate, commuter, or cargo missions.
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