A second prototype of Pilatus’s new PC-24 jet is now flying the skies, marking another step towards the launch of the new jet in 2017.

The second prototype P02 of the “super versatile jet” wearing the call sign HB-VXB took to the skies last month on its first flight and flew across Central Switzerland for a total of 82 minutes. 

Following on from the maiden flight of the first prototype P01 in May this year, the first PO2 flight marked another major step forward in the PC-24 programme. 

PO2 is the second PC-24 to join the test flight programme comprising a total of around 2,300 hours in the air. After completing initial test flights in Switzerland, P02 will be deployed mainly in the US and in Canada, where it will undergo various systems tests and certification flights in partnership with the systems suppliers. Special scrutiny will be accorded to the avionics systems and the autopilot, but the programme will also include cold weather trials and icing tests.

Flights with the P01 have gone as planned thus far, according to the Swiss aircraft manufacturer.

 The aircraft has completed a total of 143 hours in 87 flights since May. Numerous aerodynamic tests have been carried out, including tests to determine slow-flight handling, centre of gravity and flutter testing, as well as high-altitude flights. An average of 15 points were tested during each flight. This comprehensive programme of airborne tests was supplemented by exhaustive ground testing. 

"The PC-24 test flight programme is well under way and we are pleased with initial results. The PC-24 flies entirely as expected and we are confident of our ability to achieve, or even exceed, the guaranteed performance,” says Chairman of the Board Oscar Schwenk. “We have identified some teething problems, of course, and that is entirely normal: the purpose of a prototype is to pinpoint areas requiring early attention in order to remedy them as soon as possible. And we take pride in testing to the limit so that we can deliver a Pilatus aircraft of uncompromising quality to our customers.” 

Capable of flying in and out of very short runways and unmade strips, the PC-24 is the world's first ever business jet to come equipped with a cargo door as standard. 

The jet also features an extremely spacious cabin whose interior can be tailored to the customer's personal requirements. 

All that makes it a super versatile jet, an aircraft that is designed for a wide variety of missions in line with individual needs, says Pilatus.

Certification and delivery of the first series production aircraft to customers is planned from the third quarter of 2017.