Pilatus PC-9/A
Pilatus / de Havilland Australia · Australia · first flew 1987 · transport aircraft
The PC-9/A is the Australian variant of the Pilatus PC-9 turboprop advanced trainer, assembled locally by de Havilland Australia (later BAE Systems Australia) and tailored to RAAF requirements.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turboprop, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Ventral strake along lower rear fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Tandem turboprop trainer with stepped cockpit and Martin-Baker seats
- Ventral strake along lower rear fuselage
- Pratt & Whitney PT6A engine in smooth long cowling
The characteristic stepped tandem cockpit, ventral strake, and long smooth turboprop cowling distinguish the PC-9 from piston trainers; RAAF markings confirm the Australian variant.
Specifications
- The Pilatus PC-9/A has a length of 10.18 m (33 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.19 m (33 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 593 km/h (368 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Australia selected the PC-9 in 1986 to replace the CT-4 Airtrainer and Macchi MB-326H in the advanced training role. De Havilland Australia assembled the aircraft under licence from Pilatus with minor Australian-specific modifications. The PC-9/A equipped the RAAF's Central Flying School and the Roulettes aerobatic team.
Variants
The /A suffix denotes the Australian production and support standard; the aircraft is otherwise essentially identical to the Swiss-built PC-9.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the RAAF's No. 2 Flying Training School at Pearce and the Roulettes display team; the type was eventually replaced in the lead-in role by the PC-21.
Related aircraft
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