PC-12 NG on Aero Network News

Upgraded Workhorse Includes More Powerful PT-6, Stylish Interior
Part of ANN and Aero-TV's spring-time rites included covering one of the first public outings of the new Pilatus Aircraft PC-12 NG.

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Hawker Beechcraft receive order for 137 T6A Texans

HAWKER BEECHCRAFT received two follow-on contracts from the U.S. Air Force for 137 T 6A Texan II military trainers (Licensed version of Pilatus PC-9). The latest contracts, valued at $550 million, extend Hawker Beechcraft’s participation in the U.S. Air Force and Navy Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) program. The overall contract includes program and manufacturing management, program support, field service representatives, diminishing material shortage management, field maintenance training and aircrew training devices. Hawker Beechcraft (formerly Raytheon Aircraft Co.) was awarded the original JPATS contract in 1995 and has since delivered more than 380 T-6A aircraft. The JPATS program calls for delivery of up to 768 aircraft and 105 aircraft training devices through 2016. The Air Force and Navy have collectively ordered 571 aircraft and 104 training devices valued at $3.3 billion to date. JPATS logistics support plans extend beyond 2050.

Pilatus Australia update

Pilatus Australia recently completed renovations to their office and hangar buildings. The signage and buildings paint a bright picture at the Adelaide Airport base.

PC-12 at Sun n Fun

The Pilatus PC-12, a well-respected workhorse, has been given a 21st century makeover. The company displayed an example of its next generation model that was certified days before Sun 'n Fun 2008 opened in Lakeland, Fla. The biggest change is the installation of a Honewell Primus Apex glass panel, a variation of the Honeywell system found in large business jets and is the base system for Gulfstream's Planeview. Pilatus spokesman Mike Haenggi said the version used in the PC-12 NG is optimized for single pilot operation. The latest PC-12 also gets more power.

The big single is powered by a Pratt and Whitney PT6A-67P which develops 1,200 hp. Haenggi said the new engine incorporates metallurgical improvements that allow higher operating temperatures and that translates to a 10-knot increase in cruise speed to 280. Pilatus also retained BMW to design the interior and the result is a modern feel that matches the technology up front.

Quoted from AvWeb

Planesense wins prestigious award

For his outstanding success in the development of Planesense. Mr George Antonaidis has won the Aero Club of New Englands prestigious "Presidential Award". His citation read - "In recognition of your strong aviation leadership within New England, by establishing the PlaneSense fractional ownership program, for fostering its growth, and guiding its expansion into one of the largest fractional ownership programs in America."

Dexter expanding international operations

"The airline will carry out international air transportation services in full accordance with Russian law and shared rules and principles of international law regarding civil aviation," the company said.
In June, the air taxi will start making flights to Scandinavia, Baltic countries, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, the North Caucasus region and to other former Soviet republics, the statement said.
Dexter, which aims to expand the geography of its routes, will employ a new fleet of Swiss-made Pilatus PC-12 passenger and cargo aircraft with Russian registration.