Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter

Pilatus PC-6 is the designation for a single-engine STOL (short take-off capability) aircraft manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland. There are two differently powered versions, the Pilatus Porter (PC-6 with piston engine) and the Pilatus Turbo-Porter (PC-6/A to PC-6/C with propeller turbine).

Skids or floats can be installed as an alternative to the wheeled landing gear on the all-purpose working aircraft. The versatile range of applications is further enhanced by the ease with which it can be converted from passenger to freight transport. The PC-6 is used in various roles as a medical aircraft (with two stretchers and five seats, including the crew), as a survey aircraft or for aerial photography, for dropping supplies, for dropping paratroopers and for agricultural spraying missions.

The PC-6 of the German Army is used for dropping paratroopers – both in action and in training and at events such as AIRPOWER22. It is also used for transport and connecting flights. It can take off or land in rough terrain and on very short runways. Aircraft equipped with landing skids can even land on snow. Further applications for the PC-6 include aerial photography, targeting assistance for ground-to-air anti-aircraft defences or for air-to-air combat, as well as water drops on forest fires.

The Flying Bulls’ PC-6 was once used as an ambulance, passenger, and cargo aircraft in the jungles of Ecuador. Today, after complete restoration, it serves as a platform for the Red Bull Skydive Team and HSV Red Bull Salzburg professional parachutists.

Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter