Pilatus has marked its 75th anniversary in style by rolling out its first-ever jet, the Pilatus PC-24, at a ceremony at its Stans facilities on Friday.
The rollout of the PC-24, towed behind 24 horses, was the highlight of an event that featured 120 performers and flying displays from various Pilatus aircraft and that also marked Swiss National Day.
“Today’s celebration is a clear sign of our commitment to Switzerland as a centre of vision and action. Our company was established here in Stans exactly 75 years ago. We have seen our activities grow and expand here in Stans, and this is where we want to be in the future: in Stans, producing our aircraft for sale to customers around the world,” Pilatus chairman Oscar Schwenk said in a statement.
Pilatus says the PC-24 is the first business jet offered with a cargo door as standard, and it has been designed with the ability to use short and unpaved runways. Powered by two Williams FJ44-4A turbines, maximum speed is 425kt with a maximum range with four passengers is 1,950nm (3,610km).
The PC-24′s cabin interior will be available in a choice of configurations including with 6-8 passenger executive layouts, a commuter setup with seating for up to 10, combi-versions with space for passengers and cargo, and special mission variants such as an air ambulance.
First flught is planned for the northern spring of 2015. Three PC-24 prototypes are being built for the flight test flight program, and certification and customers deliveries are planned for 2017. Pilatus says it took 84 PC-24 orders at the European Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (EBACE) in May.
