PC-9/A(F) Data File

Pilatus PC-9/A Forward Air Control Aircraft (Australian)

Australian type designation

A23 which forms the first part of their RAAF serial numbers.

Aircraft Description

Single engine low wing tandem two seat aircraft constructed primarily of aluminium alloy, with stainless steel used for the firewall. The main wing is a one piece multi spar structure.

The cockpit is of a stepped tandem configuration, each being fully instrumented. The aircraft can only be flown solo from the front seat. There is a baggage compartment located aft of cockpit.

All flight controls are mechanically operated with ailerons operated by control rods and rudder and elevators operated by cables. Trim tabs are provided for all three axes. Flaps and belly mounted airbrake are hydraulically operated

Hydraulically operated retractable tricycle landing gear. single wheel on rearward retracting nose gear; single on main inward retracting to stow horizontally inside lower surface of wings. The undercarriage has been modified in Australia to be able to operate from grass runways.

Powerplant

Pratt & Whitney PT6A-62 turbo prop developing 950 SHP (electronically limited).

Propeller

Hartzell constant speed (2000 RPM)

Accommodation

Two pilots seated on lightweight Martin Baker Mk CH11A ejection seats

Systems

A 3000 psi high pressure system with a single pump running off the engine. An emergency backup is provided by a nitrogen charged accumulator system to lower the landing gear and an emergency electrical flap extension system.

The electrical system consists of a primary 28v DC system, a secondary 24v DC system, a dual output (26v and 115v) AC system and 24v/40 amp hour nickel-cadmium battery. DC power is used for all systems indicators and warnings, trim system, emergency flap extension, most flight instruments, pilot heaters, lighting, seat adjustment and aural warning systems. AC power is used for the attitude indicator, avionics and gyro compass.

Avionics

Electronic flight instrument system, ILS,VOR,
DME/TACAN, ADF, UHF/VHF FM communications
crash data recording

Dimensions

Wing span = 10.24 m
Length = 10.18 m
Height = 3.28 m

Performance

Max speed = 593 kph at sea level
Max ferry range = 2700 km
Max combat radius = 650 km
Service ceiling = 7500 m ( 25 000 ft).

Weights

Empty weight= 1700 kg
Max take off weight= 3200 kg

Armament

The PC-9 has three underwing hard points. In the typical Forward Air Control role they would be equipped with two under wing smoke grenade dispensers on outer wing stations and two 240ltr underwing fuel tanks on mid wing stations

(Pilatus & RAAF)

Paul's RAAF base Williamtown page www.cust.idl.net.au/0999000010/paul/raaf.htm