|
Airborne Repeater Plane The type of aircraft used to house the airborne data repeater plane was designed in the early nineties as a regional airliner and corporate. Known as the Pilatus PC-12 it was certified in 1994 and began delivery shortly after. The 1998 versions and all since have smaller winglets. These wing tip airfoils clean up the air that tends to tumble off in vortex curls from the aircraft's wing tips. Aircraft with winglets tend to be more efficient with better fuel economy and better all round performance.
(Photo by Paul Bowen) When used as a commuter airliner the PC-12 carries nine passengers and has been certified in Canada and the United States for operation with a single pilot. The PC-12's performance is said to be remarkable. Powered by a Canadian made Pratt and Whitney PT6A-66 turbine that produces 1200 horsepower, driving a four blade Hartzell propeller it cruises at 25,000ft at 233Kt in economy cruise with a range of 1600 nautical miles.
|
