Pilatus PC-21

The advanced turboprop trainer built to replace older jet trainers.

Overview

Pilatus Switzerland 2002–Present $9 million

The Pilatus PC-21 is an advanced turboprop trainer developed to prepare military pilots for front-line jet aircraft. Designed to reduce training costs while maintaining high performance, it integrates modern avionics and mission simulation systems. The aircraft has been adopted by several air forces worldwide.

Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × Pratt & Whitney PT6A-68B
Engine type
Turboprop
Power
1,600 shp · 1,193 kW
Avionics
BARCO and Meggitt Avionics , Becker Avionics BXT6500 ADS-B transponder
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
36 ft 10 in  ·  11.22 m
Tail height
12 ft 4 in  ·  3.75 m
Fuselage diameter
3 ft 3 in  ·  1.00 m
Wing span
29 ft 11 in  ·  9.11 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
9,350 lb  ·  4,250 kg
Max landing weight
8,900 lb  ·  4,050 kg
Max payload
2,550 lb  ·  1,150 kg
Fuel capacity
150 gal · 500 L · 400 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
370 kt  ·  426 mph  ·  685 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
81 kt  ·  93 mph  ·  150 km/h
Range
720 nm  ·  830 mi  ·  1,330 km
Fuel burn
1.13 nm/gal  ·  0.55 km/L
Ceiling
25,000 ft  ·  7,600 m
Rate of climb
4,250 ft/min  ·  22 m/s
Takeoff distance
2,400 ft  ·  730 m
Landing distance
2,950 ft  ·  900 m
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Pilatus PC-21

Operational Context

Pilatus PC-21 — advanced turboprop military trainer

The PC-21 first flew in 2002 as a clean-sheet design intended to bridge the gap between basic trainers and advanced jet trainers. Pilatus engineered the aircraft with a high-performance turboprop engine, digital cockpit, and embedded simulation capabilities to replicate modern fighter environments. It entered operational service in the late 2000s.

Powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68B turboprop engine producing approximately 1,600 shaft horsepower, the PC-21 cruises at around 370 knots (685 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight is roughly 9,000 pounds (4,100 kg). The aircraft features a pressurized tandem cockpit with advanced mission avionics and ejection seats.

The PC-21 enables student pilots to experience high-speed handling and advanced systems management before transitioning to jet aircraft. Its operating costs are significantly lower than those of jet trainers. The aircraft represents a modern approach to cost-effective military pilot training.

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