Pilatus PC-12 NG

[A/TEL]

At first glance - they have a few things in common with the USAF PC-12's:
The box on the tail for the horizontal stabiliser is notably larger than the civilian NG model - probably housing electronics.
Both feature a low VHF/HF wire antenna.

Some differences:
IAC four cabin windows as opposed to one or three on the USAF surveillance models
No visible countermeasures equipment fitted
Doesnt look like EO turret etc are fitted yet

AFAIK the a/c are built in Switzerland by Pilatus and flown to the US for fitting of mission equipment.

[sofa]

AFAIK the a/c are built in Switzerland by Pilatus and flown to the US for fitting of mission equipment.

Are single engines allowed out over the Atlantic?

[A/TEL]

Are single engines allowed out over the Atlantic?

Flying via Iceland ,Greenland and Canada.

Yes with certain restrictions afaik.

[Laners]

Flying via Iceland ,Greenland and Canada.

Yes with certain restrictions afaik.

They'll be second hand by time we get them .

[GoneToTheCanner]

you can fly anything across the Atlantic as long as you make provision for your own survival. A pair of Cessna 172s and a 182 were imported to Ireland that way,with ferry tanks in the cabin. It's actually quite common and there are dedicated ferry companies that do such things.

[Rocinante]

https://twitter.com/IrishAirCorps/st...51072224104450

I think the first mention of the name "Spectre" in relationship to their service here.

[na grohmiti]

It's a nice colour scheme though. Is that bulge on the leading edge of the Horizontal stabiliser normal?

[Rocinante]

It's a nice colour scheme though. Is that bulge on the leading edge of the Horizontal stabiliser normal?

Yes, but it's noticeably larger on the spectre.

[EUFighter]

It's a nice colour scheme though. Is that bulge on the leading edge of the Horizontal stabiliser normal?

What is a normal bulge on a ISR aircraft?

The newer U-28A that AFSOC operates have a very similar bulge.

[meridian]

Following up on something Chuck mentioned in the Cessna Replacement thread, heard from a good source that a PC12 will be supplied at end of Q1 as an interim to allow training continue

https://forum.irishmilitaryonline.co...l=1#post471655

Pilots type rated on the aircraft, just need something to fly . Thanks for the earlier info Chuck.

[GoneToTheCanner]

it could be just a Wifi or satcom antenna under the bulge.

[trellheim]

Although not a PC12 the US just had one of their flying phone exchanges shot down in Afghanistan - the converted Bombardiers

[na grohmiti]

Shot down or crashed?
It's not serious though, I'm sure the crew just got headaches....

[trellheim]

see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_U...ce_E-11A_crash

[GoneToTheCanner]

I saw a PC-12 landing yesterday at Baldonnel; more lights than a Christmas tree. very quiet, too.

[na grohmiti]

I hear there is a standard version on loan from pilatus to convert the pilots to type.

[hptmurphy]

I hear there is a standard version on loan from pilatus to convert the pilots to type.

Its been doing the various airports over the past couple of weeks

[meridian]

Plenty of pics around the web of OH-GTH training with the AC

Approach to Shannon
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...&theater&ifg=1

At Waterford Airport
https://www.facebook.com/wataviation...type=3&theater

Also saw a sweet formation of the PC12 with a PC 9 low over Kildare during the week at about, nice close flying, with each one formatting on the other Also heard they were out today, so making good use of it's time over here. Safe flying.

[na grohmiti]

Don Lavery reporting that a decision has been made to purchase a standard model PC12 from Pilatus, bringing to 4 the total type in use. This aircraft will arrive from Switzerland shortly, straight off the (civvy) shelf.
I am speculating this is because the 3 PC12-NG we have ordered are in the US being fitted out, and all work on them has ceased for the forseeable future, meanwhile there is a pressing need for a Cessna replacement here and now.

[CTU]

If true, fingers crossed they end up doing the do the same with the C295 purchase.

[DeV]

AGS one?

[na grohmiti]

Dont think so. A straight liaison aircraft is urgently required. GASU have their own budget and requirements that may be different to the DF.

[meridian]

Thanks for the update na grohmiti, best of luck to those flying her. Three PC12s were never going to be enough to do very much, hopefully a) the DoD got a good price on it after the delays with the 3 ISTAR examples, and b) another one or two examples will follow it

[A/TEL]

Don Lavery reporting that a decision has been made to purchase a standard model PC12 from Pilatus, bringing to 4 the total type in use. This aircraft will arrive from Switzerland shortly, straight off the (civvy) shelf.
I am speculating this is because the 3 PC12-NG we have ordered are in the US being fitted out, and all work on them has ceased for the forseeable future, meanwhile there is a pressing need for a Cessna replacement here and now.

Great news!!!.

This should allow for the Spectres to conduct their main roles with the standard model conducting VIP, Air Ambulance etc.

[DeV]

Don Lavery reporting that a decision has been made to purchase a standard model PC12 from Pilatus, bringing to 4 the total type in use. This aircraft will arrive from Switzerland shortly, straight off the (civvy) shelf.
I am speculating this is because the 3 PC12-NG we have ordered are in the US being fitted out, and all work on them has ceased for the forseeable future, meanwhile there is a pressing need for a Cessna replacement here and now.

https://twitter.com/donlav/status/12...653734913?s=21

Have a look at the pics