Pilatus Aircraft has announced a new version of its single engine turboprop PC-12 aircraft. Pilatus says the PC-12 Spectre is an aircraft designed expressly for the special mission requirements of local, state and federal agencies requiring a covert multi-mission surveillance aircraft.

Vp general aviation Ignaz Gretener told EBAN: “You see a lot of aircraft that are modified with cameras

and sensors to do surveillance work. They cover a broad range of applications, like for police and governmental work.

“The original aircraft that carried out this type of work always displayed a big antenna or other such piece

of equipment, and you could

tell from afar that this was a surveillance aircraft.

“With the Spectre, it’s not immediately obvious that this is a camera work plane, which is a

big advantage.”

A few years ago, Pilatus launched the PC-12 Eagle and during that period, established lots of contacts, particularly in Europe. Said Gretener: “We can hopefully bring some of those contacts over to the Spectre, which is more flexible in its operation than the Eagle.

“There are some negotiations currently underway in Europe but we can’t release any details yet.”

Gretener says the basic PC-12 costs US$2.7 million. Typically equipped, a PC-12 Spectre will cost US$2.9 to US$3.2 plus the cost for the Spectre modification which varies heavily depending on what surveillance equipment is used.

Included among the Spectre’s competitor aircraft are Cessna’s special mission Caravans, the Beech King Airs like the C12, as well as lots of much larger aircraft. Gretener said: “The basic version of the PC-12 is extremely capable and flexible, so with the large cargo and passenger doors and the flat floor in the cabin, you have a working aeroplane which you can configure to your needs very easily – much easier than those of our competitors, in fact.”

The PC-12 Spectre offers 270-knot quick dash capability, and the ability to loiter on station for up to eight hours. Said a spokesman: “Furthermore, it’s nearly half the cost to operate and millions less to procure than the nearest competitor. In addition to its retractable sensor platform, the PC-12 Spectre incorporates an operator station in the pressurised cabin designed to meet FAR 23’s stringent crash worthiness requirements, including HIC (Head Impact Criteria). Multiple expansion slots provide the space to incorporate an array of additional radios, recorders and displays to suit individual requirements.”

Tom Aniello, Pilatus’ vp of marketing, added: “We’re pleased to be able to deliver on our customers’ demands in a way which our competitors were not willing to take the risk doing. With the Spectre, we’re offering a fully certified, off-the-shelf, special missions version of the PC-12. We anticipate it will become a real workhorse in local, state, and federal government service for many years

to come.”

Following first flight of the Spectre in early July, Pilatus is currently undergoing FAA certification testing, with JAA certification expected to follow shortly after.

The first STC will be obtained for the FLIR Star Safire II EO/IR sensor, with additional STCs planned for the FLIR Star Safire III and WESCAM MX-15 systems. Pilatus has already taken the first order for the PC-12 Spectre, an aircraft which will be delivered later this autumn.