View source for Pilatus PC-6 Porter

{{Short description|Swiss single engine STOL utility transport aircraft, 1959}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2025}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2025}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{{Infobox aircraft
| name = PC-6 Porter/Turbo-Porter
| image = File:Pilatus PC-6 SkydiveLillo JD18032008 (cropped).jpg
| caption = A PC-6 Turbo-Porter, B2-H4 PT6A-34 variant, used for skydiving in Spain that also crashed in 2008 near Lillo.
| type = [[STOL]] passenger and [[utility aircraft]]
| manufacturer = [[Pilatus Aircraft]]<br>[[Fairchild Aircraft]]
| first_flight = {{ubl|Porter - 4 May 1959|Turbo-Porter - 2 May 1961}}
| introduction = 
| retired = 
| status = In service
| primary_user = Civil aviation
| more_users = [[Austrian Air Force]], [[Myanmar Air Force]], [[Swiss Air Force]]
| produced = 1959–2022<ref name=AIN13dec2022/>
| number_built = 604<ref name=AIN13dec2022/>
| variants = [[Fairchild AU-23 Peacemaker]]
}}

The '''Pilatus PC-6 Porter''' is a single-engined [[STOL]] [[utility aircraft]] designed by [[Pilatus Aircraft]] of Switzerland. First flown in 1959, the PC-6 was produced at Pilatus Flugzeugwerke in [[Stans]], Switzerland. It has been built in both [[piston engine]]- and [[turboprop]]-powered versions, and was produced under licence for a time by [[Fairchild Aircraft|Fairchild Hiller]] in the United States.
After 604 deliveries in 63 years, Pilatus ended production in 2022.<ref name=AIN13dec2022/>

==Development==
On 4 May 1959, the first prototype, powered by a 254&nbsp;kW (340 [[Horsepower#Shaft horsepower|shp]]) [[piston engine]], made its maiden flight.<ref name="JAWA65 p126-7"/> In early May 1961, the first ''Turbo Porter'', powered by a [[Turbomeca Astazou|Turbomeca Astazou II]] turboprop engine, performed its initial flight.<ref name = "fricker 38">Fricker 1962, p. 38.</ref> In comparison to its earlier piston engine-powered incarnation, the Astazou II-equipped ''Turbo Porter'' had an increased gross capacity and top speed, as well as benefitting from the engine's automatic handling functions. These benefits came at the expense of the greater initial purchase cost and higher [[fuel efficiency|fuel consumption]].<ref name = "fricker 38"/> Both the piston and turbine-engine versions of the PC-6 became quickly known for their Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capabilities, requiring only a very short takeoff run before being ready for [[rotation (aeronautics)|rotation]] prior to taking off.<ref name = "fricker 102">Fricker 1962, p. 102.</ref>
Its unit cost in 1962 was $55,000<ref name = "fricker 103">Fricker 1962, p. 103.</ref>

The initial turbine-powered models of the PC-6 were equipped with the Astazou II powerplant, however complaints on the reliability of this engine led to another early turboprop powerplant becoming available for the PC-6. This was the [[Garrett TPE331|Garrett AiResearch TPE 331]]. Some operators such as [[Air America (airline)|Air America]] chose to retrofit their Astazou II-powered PC-6s with the TPE 331 engine.<ref name = "air america">Leeker, Joe F. [http://www.utdallas.edu/library/specialcollections/hac/cataam/Leeker/aircraft/pc6.pdf "Air America: Pilatus / Fairchild PC-6 Turbo Porters."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306032147/http://www.utdallas.edu/library/specialcollections/hac/cataam/Leeker/aircraft/pc6.pdf |date=6 March 2016 }} ''University of Texas at Dallas'', 24 August 2015.</ref> In May 1966, the first PC-6 to be equipped with the [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6|Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A]] engine performed its maiden flight.<ref name="auto">Moll 1993, p. 65.</ref>

To offset rising labour and manufacturing costs in Switzerland, Pilatus distributed manufacturing work on the PC-6 to other countries; in 1993, [[Czech Republic]]–based [[Letov Kbely]] began manufacturing activity upon the type.<ref name = "small beaut"/> Its unit cost in 2010 was $1,900,000.<ref name = "flight test"/> In 2013, Pilatus formed a [[joint venture]] with Beijing Tian Xing Jian Yu Science Co., Ltd. to locally manufacture the PC-6 and the newer [[Pilatus PC-12]] in [[Chongqing]], China; initially this facility performed subassembly work on the fuselage, and later other elements such as the wings and moving surfaces, which were transported to Pilatus' final assembly facility in [[Stans]], Switzerland.<ref>Spruce, Terry. [http://corporatejetinvestor.com/articles/pilatus-opens-jv-china-451/ "Pilatus forms joint venture and opens new facility in China."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315004517/http://corporatejetinvestor.com/articles/pilatus-opens-jv-china-451/ |date=15 March 2016 }} ''Corporate Jet Investor'', 7 August 2013.</ref><ref>[http://aviationweek.com/zhuhai-2014/pilatus-bets-pc-6-porter-china "Pilatus Bets On PC-6 Porter for China."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401162808/http://aviationweek.com/zhuhai-2014/pilatus-bets-pc-6-porter-china |date=1 April 2016 }} ''Aviation Week'', 11 November 2014.</ref> Global production of the PC-6 will eventually be transferred to the Chongqing facility. On 11 December 2014, the first Chinese-assembled PC-6 fuselage was completed.<ref>[http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/regional/chongqing/liangjiang/2014-12/18/content_19123307.htm "Swiss PC-6 aircraft fuselage tapes out."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402093249/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/regional/chongqing/liangjiang/2014-12/18/content_19123307.htm |date=2 April 2016 }} ''China Daily'', 18 December 2014.</ref><ref>[http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/regional/chongqing/liangjiang/2014-01/07/content_17205233.htm "Pilatus PC-6 Airplanes."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529012512/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/regional/chongqing/liangjiang/2014-01/07/content_17205233.htm |date=29 May 2015 }} ''China Daily'', 7 January 2014.</ref> In 2014, the majority of PC-6s delivered that year were to Chinese customers.<ref>Trautvetter, Chad. [http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2015-04-09/pilatus-tops-1b-revenues-second-year-row "Pilatus Tops $1B in Revenues for Second Year in a Row."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150807113226/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2015-04-09/pilatus-tops-1b-revenues-second-year-row |date=7 August 2015 }} ''AIN Online'', 9 April 2015.</ref> By April 2016, around 20 PC-6s were in operation in the Chinese market; the type has often been used to replace the [[Antonov An-2]], being reportedly cheaper to operate.<ref>Thurber, Matt. [http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2016-04-13/pilatus-pc-6-proves-popular-china "Pilatus PC-6 Proves Popular in China."] ''AIN Online'', 13 April 2016.</ref>

The Porter was also manufactured under licence by [[Fairchild Aircraft|Fairchild Hiller]] in the United States. Roughly 100 of these licence-produced aircraft would be completed, being mainly purchased by civil operators within the US.<ref name = "air america"/><ref name = "moll 64"/> A number of Fairchild Hiller-built PC-6s were also procured for military operations during the [[Vietnam War]]. It received the designation [[Fairchild AU-23 Peacemaker|''AU-23A Peacemaker'']] for service with the US Air Force. The Peacemaker was fitted with a side-firing 20mm XM-197 Gatling cannon, four wing pylons and a centre fuselage station for external ordnance. However, the AU-23A proved to be troublesome in service. All of them were returned to the continental US and placed into storage after only a single year of operation. In 1979, a pair of UV-20s were assigned to the aviation detachment of the [[Berlin Brigade#United States|Berlin Brigade]] in Germany due to their suitability for operating within the heavily restricted airspace; they were fitted for carrying either cargo, up to eleven passengers, or three [[Litter (rescue basket)|litter]]s with four medical attendants.<ref>Johnson and Jones 2013, pp. 433.</ref>

After nearly 600 deliveries in six decades including about 90 Fairchild-Hiller built and 425 PT6-powered, but only 52 in the last ten years, Pilatus will close the orderbook from summer 2018 and will roll off the last one in early 2019 while parts production will continue for at least 20 years.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://aviationweek.com/business-aviation/end-line-pilatus-pc-6-porter |title= End Of The Line For Pilatus PC-6 Porter |date= 25 April 2018 |author= William Garvey |work= Aviation Week & Space Technology |access-date= 2 May 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180502201039/http://aviationweek.com/business-aviation/end-line-pilatus-pc-6-porter |archive-date= 2 May 2018 |url-status= live }}</ref>
Due to pandemic delays, the last PC-6 Porter was instead delivered in December 2022 after 604 produced in 63 years.<ref name=AIN13dec2022>{{Cite news |url= https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2022-12-13/pilatus-aircraft-delivers-last-pc-6-porter |title= Pilatus Aircraft Delivers Last PC-6 Porter |author= Chad Trautvetter |date= 13 December 2022 |work= AIN online }}</ref>

==Design==
[[File:Pilatus PC-6A Turbo-Porter cabin.jpg|thumb|PC-6 cabin interior, circa 1960s]]
The Pilatus PC-6 Porter is a [[STOL|Short Takeoff and Landing]] (STOL) [[utility aircraft]]. The majority of aircraft are powered by a single [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6|Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A]] turboprop engine, which drives a fully reversible, constant-speed, three-bladed HC-B3TN-3D (or an alternative four-bladed HC-D4N-3P) [[Hartzell Propeller|Hartzell]] aluminium propeller via a reduction [[gearbox]].<ref name = "pc6 factsheet"/><ref name = "pc6 broch"/><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=R5uhU9wKe7wC&pg=PA50 "Datalink."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401205916/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=R5uhU9wKe7wC&pg=PA50 |date=1 April 2016 }} ''Flying Magazine'', November 2002. p. 50. Vol. 129, No. 11. ISSN 0015-4806.</ref> Pilatus claims that it possesses unique STOL capabilities, capable of landing in places only otherwise accessible by [[rotorcraft]].<ref name = "pc6 broch"/> It is fully capable of being operated from unprepared rough airstrips, in remote areas, hot climates and at high altitudes in all-weather conditions. In particular, the undercarriage employed provides for high wing and propeller clearances, making the PC-6 less susceptible to damage than conventional nosewheel-type undercarriages.<ref name = "pc6 broch"/> For further landing versatility, various types of [[landing gear]] may be optionally installed allowing it to operate from different types of terrain; options include floats for water landings and skis for landing on snow.<ref name="pc6 factsheet">[http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/00-def/main/scripts/ckfinder/userfiles/files/Downloads/Brochures/Pilatus%20Aircraft%20Ltd%20-%20Factsheet%20PC-6.pdf "PC-6: The World's Leading STOL."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329155050/http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/00-def/main/scripts/ckfinder/userfiles/files/Downloads/Brochures/Pilatus%20Aircraft%20Ltd%20-%20Factsheet%20PC-6.pdf |date=29 March 2016 }} ''Pilatus Aircraft'', Retrieved: 17 March 2016.</ref>

Early models of the PC-6 were equipped with a full instrument panel as standard, and were reportedly easy for unfamiliar pilots to intuit.<ref name = "fricker 101"/> Later-manufactured PC-6s are equipped with a [[Garmin]] G950 [[glass cockpit]] in place of analogue instrumentation; the majority of earlier-produced PC-6s can also be retrofitted with a glass cockpit.<ref name = "flight test">Collins, Peter. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/flight-test-pilatus-pc-6-347732/ "FLIGHT TEST: Pilatus PC-6."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401151113/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/flight-test-pilatus-pc-6-347732/ |date=1 April 2016 }} ''Flight International'', 28 September 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/#18 "Cockpit."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080613164120/http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/#18 |date=13 June 2008 }} ''Pilatus Aircraft'', Retrieved: 20 March 2016.</ref> In addition to its flight functionality, the G950 system acts as a remote maintenance unit and [[electronic flight bag]] all in one. Two large 10.4-inch [[liquid-crystal display]]s (LCDs) are present, functioning as the Primary Flight Display for all key flight information and the Multi-function Display for system/mission management. Fully independent secondary flight instrumentation is also provided to provide backup altitude, attitude, and airspeed information in the event of complete electrical failure.<ref name = "flight test"/><ref name = "pc6 broch"/> The cockpit has been designed for single pilot operations; additional [[aircraft flight control system|flight controls]] for a co-pilot can be optionally fitted.<ref name = "pc6 factsheet"/> Other optional features include an [[autopilot]] (capable of operating within all phases of flight), [[traffic collision avoidance system]] (TCAS), [[terrain awareness and warning system]] (TAWS), [[weather radar]], [[satellite phone]], [[Lidar|LIDAR]], [[forward-looking infrared]] (FLIR) and [[Lightning detection#Aviation use|lightning detector]]; in addition, onboard electrical and avionics equipment are readily modifiable to conform with customer requirements.<ref name = "flight test"/><ref name = "pc6 broch"/>

[[File:PC-6 Turbo-Porter cockpit.jpg|thumb|left|Analog cockpit instrumentation of a PC-6, 2007]]
The airframe is of a rugged and low-maintenance construction; featuring high levels of accessibility, interchangeability, and favourable manning levels.<ref name="pc6 broch">[http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/00-def/main/scripts/ckfinder/userfiles/files/Downloads/Brochures/Pilatus%20Aircraft%20Ltd%20-%20PC-6.pdf "PV-6 Turbo Porter: Anywhere, Anytime, in any Environment."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513192727/http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/00-def/main/scripts/ckfinder/userfiles/files/Downloads/Brochures/Pilatus%20Aircraft%20Ltd%20-%20PC-6.pdf |date=13 May 2015 }} ''Pilatus Aircraft'', Retrieved: 19 March 2016.</ref> The wings, fuselage, and empennage are manufactured using conventional semi-monocoque construction techniques, the primary structure being composed of aluminium;<ref name = "pc6 broch"/> the central structure retains critical strength despite the cutout areas for the sliding doors of the main cabin.<ref name = "fricker 101">Fricker 1962, p. 101.</ref> [[Corrosion]] resistance is achieved via a combination of [[plating]] and a [[polyurethane]]-based [[enamel paint]].<ref name = "pc6 broch"/> The simple nature of the structure allows for ease of repair in the field.<ref name = "moll 64"/> Features such as low-pressure tyres, twin-caliper [[disc brake]]s, and a highly energy-absorbent undercarriage enable the aircraft to be capable of operating from rough or otherwise challenging terrain.<ref>[http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/#17 "Operational Area."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080613164120/http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/#17 |date=13 June 2008 }} ''Pilatus Aircraft'', Retrieved: 20 March 2016.</ref>

For role flexibility, individual aircraft can be easily converted between various mission types, such as transport, [[paratrooper|paradrop]], [[aerial photography]], [[surveillance]], [[air medical services]] and [[search and rescue]] duties.<ref name = "pc6 factsheet"/><ref name = "pc6 broch"/> A maximum of ten passengers, or a 2,200 lb payload, may be carried within the aircraft's main cabin area within the rear section of the fuselage; the standard passenger seats are designed to allow for rapid removal and may be stowed within an optional separate externally-accessed seat stowage compartment behind the main cabin.<ref name = "pc6 broch"/><ref>[http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/#19 "Cabin."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080613164120/http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/#19 |date=13 June 2008 }} ''Pilatus Aircraft'', Retrieved: 20 March 2016.</ref> The main cabin area is furnished with [[soundproofing]] measures, ventilation, and heating as standard.<ref name = "fricker 101"/> A maximum of three fuel tanks can also be carried in the main cabin, accordingly reducing payload capacity, to increase the aircraft's flight endurance.<ref name = "pc6 broch"/> In addition to the large sliding doors at either side of the main cabin, separate hinged doors are present on either side of the cockpit; an optional pilot-controlled [[trapdoor]], to accommodate supply drops or surveillance payloads, may also be installed in the center of the cabin floor without any design changes required.<ref name = "air america"/><ref name = "pc6 factsheet"/><ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1960/1960%20-%200013.html "Porter in England."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402035208/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1960/1960%20-%200013.html |date=2 April 2016 }} ''Flight International'', 1 January 1960. p. 13.</ref> Additional equipment include a [[firefighting]] system, [[aerial application]] system, underwing tanks, [[sand filter]]s, propeller [[de-ice|de-icing]] system, [[Gravel kit|mudguard]], tailwheel debris guard, oxygen system, and additional power distribution system.<ref name = "moll 64"/><ref name = "pc6 broch"/><ref>[http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/#149 "Special Missions."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080613164120/http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/#149 |date=13 June 2008 }} ''Pilatus Aircraft'', Retrieved: 20 March 2016.</ref>

==Operational history==
[[File:Slovenian Air Force - Pilatus PC-6 L6-03 - Short Field Landing at Murska Sobota Airport (LJMS).ogv|thumbnail|[[Slovenian Air Force]] Pilatus PC-6 [[STOL]] landing at the [[Murska Sobota]] Airfield]]

{{expand section|date=March 2016}}
The PC-6 is noted for its ''Short Takeoff and Landing'' ([[STOL]]) performance on almost any type of terrain - it can take off within a distance of {{convert|640|ft|m|0}} and land within a distance of {{convert|427|ft|m|0}} while carrying a payload of 2,646&nbsp;lbs (1,200&nbsp;kg). Thanks to its STOL performance, the PC-6 holds the world record for highest landing by a [[fixed-wing aircraft]], at {{convert|18,865|ft|m|0}}, on the [[Dhaulagiri]] glacier in [[Nepal]].<ref>Isserman, Weaver and Molenaar 2008, p. 358.</ref>

Due to the type's favourable STOL characteristics, described by the magazine [[Flying Magazine|''Flying'']] as being "one of the most helicopter-like airplanes in terms of takeoff performance", Pilatus has deliberately marketed the PC-6 towards helicopter operators at times, feeling the type to be complementary to their typical mode of operation.<ref name = "moll 64"/> According to Pilatus, the PC-6 can provide very similar surveillance capabilities to a rotorcraft at a significantly lower cost to operate and procure.<ref name = "small beaut">Moxon, Julian. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/small-is-beautiful-6801/ "Small is beautiful."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401233740/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/small-is-beautiful-6801/ |date=1 April 2016 }} ''Flight International'', 12 June 1996.</ref>

[[File:Peruvian Air Force Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter.jpg|thumb|left|Peruvian Air Force PC-6, 2014]]
During its early service, the PC-6 Porter was noted for its high level of comfort and usability against competing aircraft.<ref>Fricker 1962, pp. 100–101.</ref> The type has also proven to have a long service life; by 1993, roughly 440 of the 500 PC-6 Turbo Porters completed by that point were still in service.<ref name = "moll 64">Moll 1993, p. 64.</ref>

During the 1960s and 1970s, the [[Central Intelligence Agency]]-controlled airline [[Air America (airline)|Air America]] operated up to 23 PC-6s at a time. Many of these were operated in the South-East Asia region, including [[South Vietnam]] during the Vietnam War. The type was used for various missions, including paradropping supplies to troops, passenger transport, [[psychological warfare]], reconnaissance, prisoner conveyance, [[airborne radio relay]], and other intelligence operations.<ref name = "air america"/>

Since 1976, the [[Austrian Air Force]] has operated a fleet of 12 PC-6 Porters as the mainstay of their fixed-wing transport fleet; the type has been used in various support roles, including transport, search and rescue, firefighting, observation, target-towing and paradropping.<ref>Moxon, Julian. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/austria-ready-to-modernise-57509/ "Austria ready to modernise."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401163530/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/austria-ready-to-modernise-57509/ |date=1 April 2016 }} ''Flight International'', 27 October 1999.</ref><ref>[http://www.bundesheer.at/english/forces/airforce.shtml "The Austrian Air Force - In the Past and Today."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725154014/http://www.bundesheer.at/english/forces/airforce.shtml |date=25 July 2011 }} ''Austrian Armed Forces'', Retrieved: 20 March 2016.</ref>

According to ''Flying'' magazine, around 40 per cent of all PC-6s in use in Europe during the early 1990s were being used by [[parachuting|skydivers]].<ref name="auto"/>

In 1996, during the [[First Congo War]], [[Zaire]]'s president [[Mobutu Sese Seko]] hired Western European mercenaries (mostly French and Belgian) in an attempt to stop a Rwandan-led offensive. This contingent (part of the [[White Legion (Zaire)|White Legion]]) was supported by a [[Hawker Siddeley Andover|BAE Andover]] and a Pilatus PC-6B Turbo Porter transports and four [[Mil Mi-24]] attack helicopters.{{sfn|Cooper|2013|page=46}} The Porter was lost after colliding with a {{convert|3|m|frac=2}} tall anthill which damaged the plane's landing gear, causing it to crash-land just a few days after arriving in Zaire.{{sfn|Cooper|2013|page=48}}{{sfn|Venter|2006|page=277}}

==Variants==
[[File:Pilatus PC-6-350 Porter HB-FAM.jpg|thumb|right|A PC-6/350 Porter]]
[[File:Metrum Pilatus PC-6 B2-H4 Turbo Porter YL-CCQ.jpg|thumb|PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo-Porter. YL-CCQ is currently (2017) used by Skydive Estonia as a jump plane.]]
[[File:Au23-1.jpg|thumb|A Fairchild Porter]]
[[File:Pilatus PC-6 B2H4.jpg|thumb|Pilatus PC-6/ B2-H4 in flight]]
[[File:Pilatus UV-20A.jpg|UV-20|thumb|right]]
;PC-6/340 Porter
:Initial production version, powered by a 254-kW (340-hp) [[Lycoming O-480|Lycoming GSO-480-B1A6]] flat-six piston engine. Max takeoff weight 1,960 kg (4,320 lb).<ref name="JAWA65 p126-7">Taylor 1965, pp. 126–127.</ref>
:;PC-6/340-H1 Porter
::As PC-6/340, but with modified landing gear and increased weight (2,016 kg (4,444 lb)).<ref name="JAWA65 p126-7"/>
:;PC-6/340-H2 Porter
::As for H-2, but with maximum takeoff weight increased to 2,200 kg (4,850 lb).<ref name="JAWA65 p126-7"/>
;PC-6/350 Porter
:As PC-6/340, but powered by a 261&nbsp;kW (350&nbsp;hp) [[Lycoming O-540|Lycoming IGO-540-A1A]] piston engine.<ref name="JAWA65 p126-7"/>
:;PC-6/350-H1 Porter
::As for /340 H1 but with O-540 engine.<ref name="JAWA65 p126-7"/>
:;PC-6/350-H2 Porter
::As for 340 H2 with O-540 engine.<ref name="JAWA65 p126-7"/>
;PC-6/A Turbo-Porter
:Initial turboprop powered version, fitted with a 390&nbsp;kW (523&nbsp;shp) [[Turbomeca Astazou]] IIE or IIG turboprop engine.<ref name="JAWA65 p126-7"/>
;PC-6/A1 Turbo-Porter
:This 1968 version was powered by a 427-kW (573-shp) Turbomeca Astazou XII turboprop engine.
;PC-6/A2 Turbo-Porter
:This 1971 version was powered by a 427-kW (573-shp) Turbomeca Astazou XIVE turboprop engine.
;PC-6/B Turbo-Porter
:This version was powered by a 410-kW (550-shp) Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-6A turboprop engine.
;PC-6/B1 Turbo-Porter
:Similar to the PC-6/B, but fitted with a 410-kW (550-shp) Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-20 turboprop engine.
;PC-6/B2-H2 Turbo-Porter
:Fitted with a 507-kW (680-shp) Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-27 turboprop engine.
;PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo-Porter
:The B2-H4 has improved airframe structuring and extended, upturned wingtips.
;PC-6/C Turbo-Porter
:One prototype built by [[Fairchild Industries]] in the United States, powered by a 429-kW (575-shp) [[Garrett TPE331]]-25D turboprop engine.
;PC-6/C1 Turbo-Porter
:Similar to the PC-6/C, but fitted with a 429-kW (575-shp) Garrett TPE 331-1-100 turboprop engine.
;PC-6/C2-H2 Porter
:Developed by Fairchild Industries in the USA. It was powered by a 485-ekW (650-ehp) Garrett TPE 331-101F turboprop engine.
;PC-6/D-H3 Porter
:One prototype, fitted with a 373-kW (500-hp) avco Lycoming turbocharged piston engine.
;[[Fairchild AU-23A Peacemaker|AU-23A Peacemaker]]
:Armed gunship, counter-insurgency, utility transport version for the [[US Air Force]]. It was used during the Vietnam War in the early 1970s. 15 were built under licence in the USA by Fairchild Industries.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140105033728/http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3228 Fairchild AU-23A]. National Museum of the U. S. Air Force. Archived version retrieved 25 December 2017.</ref> All aircraft were sold to [[Royal Thai Air Force]].
;OV-12
:Designation for US version, cancelled 1979.
;UV-20A Chiricahua
:STOL utility transport version for the [[US Army]]. Two UV-20As were based in [[West Berlin]] from late 1979 until 1991.
;[[Pilatus PC-8D Twin Porter|PC-8D Twin Porter]]
:Twin-engined version flown in 1967, but not subsequently developed.

==Operators==

{{more citations needed|section|date=October 2024}}

===Current military operators===
[[File:Österreich, Zeltweg (Flughafen Hinterstoisser), Pilatus PC-6, 0086.JPG|thumb|[[Austrian Air Force]] PC-6, 2013]]
{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
;{{DZA}}
* [[Algerian Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2022">{{cite web |last = |first = |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/world-air-forces-directory-2022/146695.article|title = World Air Forces 2022|publisher= Flightglobal |year= 2022 |doi = |accessdate= 14 April 2022|url-access=registration}}</ref>
;{{ANG}}
*[[National Air Force of Angola]] {{citation needed|date=June 2012}}
;{{ARG}}
* [[Argentine Navy]]<ref name="fiwaf15 p32">Hoyle ''Flight International'' 8–14 December 2015, p. 32.</ref>
* [[Gendarmeria Nacional Argentina]]<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Rivas |first=Santiago |title=Cracking the Drug cartels |magazine=[[Air International]] |date=April 2021 |volume=100 |issue=4 |pages=46–49 |issn=0306-5634}}</ref>
;{{AUT}}
* [[Austrian Air Force]]<ref name="fiwaf15 p33">Hoyle ''Flight International'' 8–14 December 2015, p. 33.</ref>
;{{BIR}} ([[Myanmar]])
* [[Myanmar Air Force]] - 7 Aircraft<ref name="fiwaf15 p43">Hoyle ''Flight International'' 8–14 December 2015, p. 43.</ref>
;{{CHA}}
* [[Chad Air Force]]<ref name="fiwaf11 p36">Hoyle ''Flight International'' 13–19 December 2011, p. 36.</ref>
;{{FRA}}
* [[French Army]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{ECU}}
* [[Ecuadorian Army]]<ref name="fiwaf11 p37">Hoyle ''Flight International'' 13–19 December 2011, p. 37.</ref>
;{{IRN}}
*[[Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force]]<ref name="fiwaf15 p40">Hoyle ''Flight International'' 8–14 December 2015, p. 40.</ref>
;{{MEX}}
* [[Mexican Air Force]]<ref name="fiwaf15 p43"/>
;{{PER}}
* [[Peruvian Air Force]]<ref name="fiwaf15 p45">Hoyle ''Flight International'' 8–14 December 2015, p. 45.</ref>
;{{SLO}}
* [[Slovenian Air Force and Air Defence]]<ref name="fiwaf15 p47">Hoyle ''Flight International'' 8–14 December 2015, p. 47.</ref>
;{{SUI}}
* [[Swiss Air Force]]:<ref name="fiwaf15 p49">Hoyle ''Flight International'' 8–14 December 2015, p. 49.</ref> 8 PC-9s for target towing
;{{THA}}
* [[Royal Thai Air Force]]<ref name="fiwaf11 p49">Hoyle ''Flight International'' 13–19 December 2011, p. 49.</ref>
* [[Bureau of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{USA}}
* [[United States Army Special Operations Command]]:<ref name="fiwaf15 p52">Hoyle ''Flight International'' 8–14 December 2015, p. 52.</ref> 1 UV-23A, Black Daggers at Fort Bragg (NC). This aircraft (79-23254) was first operated by the [[Berlin Brigade|Berlin Brigade Aviation Detachment]] ([[Berlin Tempelhof Airport|Tempelhof Central Airport]]) of the [[United States Army Berlin]] from May 1979 to 1999. From August 1991 to May 2004, it was operated by the [[United States Army Parachute Team]].<ref>[http://www.pc-6.com/history/803.htm S/N 803], 30 April 2024, pc-6.com.</ref>
}}

===Former military operators===

[[File:Au23-2.jpg|thumb|US Air Force PC-6]]
{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
;{{AUS}}
* [[Australian Army Aviation]] - 19 were in service from 1968 to 1992.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
** [[173rd Surveillance Squadron (Australia)]]
** No. 161 Independent Reconnaissance Flight
** No. 163 Independent Reconnaissance Flight
** No. 171 Air Cavalry Flight
** School of Army Aviation
; [[File:Flag of Bophuthatswana (1972–1994).svg|22px]] [[Bophuthatswana]]
* [[Bophuthatswana Air Force]] - Later transferred to [[South African Air Force|South African AF]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{BOL}}{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{COL}}
* [[Colombian Air Force]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
** [[SATENA]]
;{{IDN}}
* [[Indonesian Air Force]]
**Agricultural Air Unit – Five PC-6/B2-H2<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 August 2020|title=Satud Tani, Perangi Hama dan Wabah|url=https://aviahistoria.com/2020/08/24/satud-tani-perangi-hama-dan-wabah/|access-date=10 February 2021|website=aviahistoria.com|language=id}}</ref>
;{{IRQ}}
* [[Iraqi Army Aviation]];{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
** Two in service with the 83rd Squadron since 20 November 1987.
;{{ISR}}
* [[Israeli Air Force]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
** [[100 Squadron (Israel)|100 Squadron]]
;{{OMN}}
* [[Royal Air Force of Oman]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{RSA}}
* [[South African Air Force]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{SUD}}
* [[Sudanese Air Force]] - eight ordered in 1966<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |last2=Weinert |first2=Peter |last3=Hinz |first3=Fabian |last4=Lepko |first4=Mark |title=African MiGs, Volume 2: Madagascar to Zimbabwe |date=2011 |publisher=Harpia Publishing |location=Houston |isbn=978-0-9825539-8-5 |page=112}}</ref>
;{{THA}}
* [[Royal Thai Army]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{UAE}}
* [[United Arab Emirates Air Force]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{USA}}
* [[United States Army]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
* [[United States Air Force]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{flag|Zaire}}
*[[White Legion (Zaire)|White Legion]] − Used by French mercenaries{{sfn|Cooper|2013|page=46}}{{sfn|Venter|2006|page=277}}
}}

===Law enforcement operators===
[[File:South African Police Pilatus PC-6B2-H4 ZS-NIT (6881996449).jpg|thumb|South African Police Pilatus PC-6]]
{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
;{{MYS}}
*[[Royal Malaysian Police]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{OMN}}
*[[Royal Oman Police]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{RSA}}
*[[South African Police Service]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{THA}}
*[[Royal Thai Police]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
}}

===Civil operators===
[[File:ZK-MCN 2 Pilatus Turbo Porter Mt Cook Ski Planes Franz Joseph Glacier 09JAN99 (6934547689).jpg|thumb|[[Mount Cook Group#Mount Cook Ski Planes|Mount Cook Ski Planes]] PC-6 upon [[Franz Josef Glacier]], 1999]]
{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
;{{AUS}}
* [[Mission Aviation Fellowship]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{CAN}}
* [[North-Wright Airways]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{IDN}}
* Adventist Aviation Indonesia<ref>{{Cite web|date=23 July 2019|title=Aircraft Photo of PK-TCA — Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter|url=https://www.airhistory.net/photo/378966/PK-TCA|access-date=12 October 2023|website=airhistory.net|language=en}}</ref>
* Associated Mission Aviation<{{cn|date=November 2025}}
* [[JAARS|Yajasi Aviation]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
* Smart Aviation<ref name="SA">{{cite web |last1=VOI|first1=VOI|title=Capt. M Yusuf The Victim Of The Crash Of The Plane In Nunukan Kaltara Was Found Selamat|url=https://voi.id/en/news/364180|website=voi.id|date=10 March 2024 |publisher=VOI|access-date=13 March 2024}}</ref>
* [[Susi Air]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{flagcountry|Mongolia}}
*[[Thomas Air]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{NEP}}
* Tara Air{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{NZL}}
* [[Mount Cook Airlines]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{CHE}}
* [[Para Sport Club Triengen]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{PNG}}
* [[Mission Aviation Fellowship]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{THA}}
*Thai Ministry of Agriculture{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{USA}}
* [[Air America (airline)|Air America]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
* [[Continental Air Services, Inc|CASI]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
}}

===Former civil operators===
{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
;{{HUN}}
*National Hydrological Service{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
*National Ambulance Service{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
;{{IDN}}
*[[Merpati Nusantara Airlines]] - 12 unit <ref>{{cite book |last1= Gunardjo |first1= Capt.|year= 2010|chapter= III |title= Langit Tiada Batas - Kisah Nyata Pengalaman Terbang|url= https://kios-perpustakaan.jakarta.go.id/catalogue/detail/144636 |edition= First |publication-place= Jakarta |publisher= Pustaka Sinar Harapan|pages= 37–52 |isbn= 979-416-929-3|language= id|access-date=10 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=|title=SOUTH EAST ASIA 1960s-1970s - INDONESIA & DUTCH NEW GUINEA|url=http://www.goodall.com.au/photographs/indonesia-dutch-ng-60-70/seasiaindonesiadutchng.html|access-date=10 February 2021|website=goodall.com.au}}</ref>
*[[Mimika Air]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=|title=PC-6 History s/n 959|url=http://www.pc-6.com/history/959.htm|access-date=10 February 2021|website=pc-6.com|language=en}}</ref>
;{{NEP}}
*[[Tara Air]]{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
}}

==Accidents and incidents==
* 18 November 1981, a Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) of [[Royal Nepal Airlines]] crashed after it lost height during take-off from [[Biratnagar Airport]] in [[Nepal]]. The fatalities included 1 crew and 9 passengers with no survivors.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Crash of a Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter in Biratnagar: 10 killed {{!}} Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives |url=https://www.baaa-acro.com/crash/crash-pilatus-pc-6-turbo-porter-biratnagar-10-killed |access-date=5 January 2023 |website=www.baaa-acro.com}}</ref>
* 12 November 1991 - An Australian Army Turbo Porter A14-683<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/28758|title=Accident Pilatus PC-6/B1-H2 Turbo Porter A14-683, 12 Nov 1991|access-date=22 March 2021}}</ref> crashed after it stalled on take off, killing two soldiers. The inquiry identified pilot error as the primary cause. The aircraft was written off.{{fact|date=December 2025}}
* 26 December 1999 - A Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo porter registration HB-FKJ<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=30298|title=ASN Aircraft accident 26-DEC-1999 Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter HB-FKJ|first=Harro|last=Ranter|access-date=22 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023060346/http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=30298|archive-date=23 October 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> crashed near [[Turin]]. Because of heavy turbulence, a wing broke away from the fuselage causing the plane to crash; the two people aboard died.
* 15 March 2002 - A [[United States Army]] Pilatus UV-20A collided in midair with a Cessna 182C during parachute jumping operations at [[Marana Regional Airport]], near [[Marana, Arizona]].   While the Cessna was able to land, the Pilatus entered an uncontrolled dive and crashed, killing the pilot and destroying the aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief2.aspx?ev_id=20020322X00392&ntsbno=LAX02FA110B&akey=2|title=NTSB Identification: LAX02FA110B|publisher=NTSB|access-date=15 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915205104/https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief2.aspx?ev_id=20020322X00392&ntsbno=LAX02FA110B&akey=2|archive-date=15 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 30 May 2008 - A Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo porter registration EC-JXH<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=20232|title=ASN Aircraft accident 30-MAY-2008 Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter EC-JXH|first=Harro|last=Ranter|access-date=22 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023055448/http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=20232|archive-date=23 October 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> crashed near [[Lillo, Spain]]. After going into a [[Stall (fluid dynamics)|stall]], the plane's left wing broke causing the door to open, allowing nine skydivers to jump out and survive. One skydiver and the pilot died in the crash.
* 25 April 2012 - A Pilatus PC-6 (PK VVQ), operated by Susi Air, crashed in Kalimantan Timur, Melak district killing the pilot and passenger(s) which was engaged in an Aerial Survey of the area. The aircraft was reported missing at 1710 LT on 25 April with the wreckage found on 26 April, thus confirming the condition of the occupants/aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/81655/plane-crash-pilots-bodies-to-be-brought-to-jakarta|title=Plane crash pilot's bodies to be brought to Jakarta|website=www.antaranews.com|date=26 April 2012 |language=en|access-date=17 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218065855/http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/81655/plane-crash-pilots-bodies-to-be-brought-to-jakarta|archive-date=18 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://airflightdisaster.com/index.php/susi-air-crash-in-indonesia-kills-2-3rd-fatal-crash-in-eight-months/|title=Susi Air Crash in Indonesia Kills 2, 3rd Fatal Crash in Eight Months|date=28 April 2012|newspaper=George Hatcher's Air Flight Disaster|access-date=2 July 2017|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201194311/http://airflightdisaster.com/index.php/susi-air-crash-in-indonesia-kills-2-3rd-fatal-crash-in-eight-months/|archive-date=1 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 19 October 2013 - A Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter registration OO-NAC<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pc-6.com/history/710.htm|title=PC-6 History s/n 710|publisher=Pilatus Porter History|last=Herzig|first=Markus|access-date=2 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024220534/http://www.pc-6.com/history/710.htm|archive-date=24 October 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> carrying ten skydivers (instructors and students) and a pilot, lost height and impacted terrain at [[Fernelmont]] some ten minutes after takeoff from nearby [[Namur-Suarlee Airport|Namur-Suarlée Airport (EBNM)]], Belgium. All aboard died. The aircraft (S/N 710) was built in 1969 and had been rebuilt in 2002 by Pilatus Flugzeugwerke following a takeoff accident at [[Moorsele Airfield|Moorsele (EBMO)]] on 12 March 2000.<ref name="ASN#161542">{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=161542|title=ASN Aircraft accident 19-OCT-2013 Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter OO-NAC|first=Harro|last=Ranter|access-date=20 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021053518/http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=161542|archive-date=21 October 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 19 June 2016 - A Pilatus PC-6 disintegrated in midair while carrying seven skydivers for practice in Beja, Portugal. All skydivers survived, although two were severely wounded. The pilot was the single fatality.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gpiaa.gov.pt/wwwbase/wwwinclude/ficheiro.aspx?tipo=0&id=10475&ambiente=WebSiteMenu|title=Preliminary Report|publisher=[[Aviation Accidents Prevention and Investigation Department|GPIAA]]|access-date=3 July 2017}}</ref>
* 30 August 2022 - A South African Police Service PC-6 crashed shortly after taking off from [[Rand Airport]], South Africa. All five passengers died during the accident. The pilot was the sole survivor and was severely injured.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://albertonrecord.co.za/331678/four-technicians-police-officer-die-in-rand-airport-crash/|title=Four technicians, police officer die in Rand Airport crash|date=September 2022 |publisher=Alberton Record|access-date=5 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zyl |first=Corné van |date=6 September 2022 |title=Pilot of HORRIFIC SAPS aircraft crash still in ICU fighting for his life [UPDATE] |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/pilot-horrific-saps-aircraft-still-cu-fighting-update-breaking-news-casper-swanepoel-update-06-september-2022/ |access-date=9 November 2022 |website=The South African |language=en-ZA}}</ref>
* 8 March 2024 - A Pilatus PC-6 (PK-SNE), operated by Smart Aviation, crashed into a forest near Binuang, Nunukan, North Kalimantan, after taking off from Juwata Tarakan International Airport. During the flight, the plane had two people: the pilot and the engineer. The pilot was the sole survivor.<ref name="SA"/><ref>{{cite web |last1=Sucipto |first1=Sucipto |title=Kisah Penyelamatan Pilot Smart Air yang Jatuh di Kaltara |url=https://www.kompas.id/baca/english/2024/03/12/en-kisah-penyelamatan-pilot-smart-air-yang-jatuh-di-kaltara?open_from=English_Page |website=kompas.id |date=12 March 2024 |publisher=Kompas |access-date=13 March 2024}}</ref>

==Specifications (PC-6 B2 Turbo-Porter)==
[[File:Pilatus Turbo-Porter.svg|right|300px]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1993–1994,<ref name="JAWA93 p358-9">Lambert 1993, pp. 358–359</ref> Pilatus Aircraft,<ref name = "pc6 factsheet"/><ref>[http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/#20 "Performance & Specs."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080613164120/http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/#20 |date=13 June 2008 }} ''Pilatus Aircraft'', Retrieved: 20 March 2016.</ref><ref name="P-6 Turbo Porter Brochure" >{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010040750/http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/media/Pilatus-PC-6.pdf |date=10 October 2008 }}''P-6 Turbo Porter Brochure'', Retrieved: 14 May 2025.</ref> Flying Magazine<ref name = "moll 68">Moll 1993, p. 68</ref><ref name="P-6 Turbo Porter Fact Sheet" >{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010040713/http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/media/Pilatus-PC-6-Fact-Sheet.pdf |date=10 October 2008 }}''P-6 Turbo Porter Fact Sheet'', Retrieved: 14 May 2025.</ref>
|prime units?=met
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew=1
|capacity=up to 10 max / {{cvt|1130|kg|0}}
|length m=11
|length note=
|span m=15.87
|span note=
|height m=3.2
|height note=
|wing area sqm=30.15
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil=[[NACA airfoil|NACA 64-514]]<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>
|empty weight kg=1270
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=2800
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-27]]
|eng1 type=[[turboprop]] engine
|eng1 kw=410
|eng1 note=(de-rated from {{cvt|507|kW}})

|prop blade number=3
|prop name=constant-speed reversible propeller
|prop dia m=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia note=
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kmh=232
|max speed note=<ref name="Brasseys 99 p489">Taylor 1999, p. 489.</ref>
|cruise speed kmh=213
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed kmh=96
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kmh=280
|never exceed speed note=
|range km=730
|range note=with maximum payload
|combat range km=
|combat range note=
|ferry range km=1612
|ferry range note=with maximum internal and underwing fuel
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling m=8197
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ms=
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|wing loading kg/m2=93
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|power/mass=
|thrust/weight=
|more performance=

|avionics=
}}

== Notable appearances in media ==
A PC-6/B2-H2 Turbo-Porter is featured in the opening scene of the 1995 [[James Bond]] film ''[[GoldenEye]],'' which Bond uses to escape from a clandestine Soviet chemical weapons facility.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Søgaard |first=Preben |title=BMT 216A: Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo-Porter |url=https://www.bmt216a.dk/Vehicles/BMT216Avehicle.html?id=50 |access-date=14 June 2025 |website=www.bmt216a.dk |language=en}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Switzerland|Aviation}}
{{aircontent|
|related=
* [[Fairchild AU-23 Peacemaker]]
* [[Pilatus PC-8D Twin Porter]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[Antonov An-2]]/[[Antonov An-3|An-3]]
* [[Comp Air 8]]
* [[Daher Kodiak]]
* [[de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter]]
* [[GippsAero GA10]]
* [[PAC P-750 XSTOL]]
* [[UZGA LMS-901 Baikal]]
|lists=
|see also=
}}

==References==

===Citations===
{{reflist}}

===Bibliography===
*{{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |title=Great Lakes Holocaust: First Congo War, 1996−1997 |date=2013 |publisher=Helion and Company |isbn=978-1-909384-65-1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SuXZAwAAQBAJ |language=en}}
* Fricker, John. [https://books.google.com/books?id=W9hDaNOiAXEC&pg=PA38 "Pilot Report: Pilatus".] ''[[Flying (magazine)|Flying]]'', Vol. 70, No. 4. April 1962. ISSN 0015-4806. pp.&nbsp;38, 100–103.
* Hoyle, Craig. "World Air Forces Directory". ''[[Flight International]]'', Vol. 180, No. 5321, 13–19 December 2011. pp.&nbsp;26–52. {{ISSN|0015-3710}}.
* Hoyle, Craig. "World Air Forces Directory". ''Flight International'', Vol. 180, No. 5517, 8–14 December 2015. pp.&nbsp;26–53. {{ISSN|0015-3710}}.[https://archive.org/details/Flight%20International%20December%2014%202015/ Archived version]
*{{cite journal |last1=Genève|first1=Alain|title=50 ans d'aviation au pied Mont Pilatus (3): Les Pilatus PC-6 PC-6 "Porter" et "Turbo Porter (1)|journal=Le Fana de l'Aviation |date=February 1990 |issue=243 |pages=22–28 |issn=0757-4169 |language=fr|trans-title=50 Years at the Foot of Mount Pilatus (3): The Pilatus PC-6 Porter and Turbo Porter, Part I}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Genève|first1=Alain|title=50 ans d'aviation au pied Mont Pilatus (3): Les Pilatus PC-6 PC-6 "Porter" et "Turbo Porter (1)|journal=Le Fana de l'Aviation |date=March 1990 |issue=244 |pages=18–24 |issn=0757-4169 |language=fr|trans-title=50 Years at the Foot of Mount Pilatus (3): The Pilatus PC-6 Porter and Turbo Porter, Part 2}}
* Isserman, Maurice., Stewart Angas Weaver and Dee Molenaar. ''Fallen Giants: A History of Himalayan Mountaineering from the Age of Empire to the Age of Extremes.'' Yale University Press, 2008. {{ISBN|0-3001-4266-8}}.
* Johnson, E.R. and Lloyd S. Jones. ''American Military Transport Aircraft Since 1925.'' McFarland, 2013. {{ISBN|1-4766-0155-0}}.
* Lambert, Mark. ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1993–1994''. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Data Division, 1993. {{ISBN|0-7106-1066-1}}.
* Moll, Nigel. [https://books.google.com/books?id=XPB1MpYNfPUC&pg=PA62 "Ugly is Only Skin-Deep."] ''Flying'', Vol. 120, No. 2. February 1993. ISSN 0015-4806. pp.&nbsp;62–68.
* [[John W. R. Taylor|Taylor, John W. R.]] ''Janes's All The World's Aircraft 1965–66''. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Company, 1965.
* Taylor, Michael J. H. ''Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1999/2000 Edition''. London: Brassey's, 1999. {{ISBN|1-85753-245-7}}.
*{{cite book |last1=Venter |first1=Al J. |title=War Dog: Fighting Other People's Wars: The Modern Mercenary in Combat |date=2006 |publisher=Lancer Publishers |isbn=978-81-7062-174-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hIJDxmNVcGcC |language=en}}
* [https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=28758 Accident Pilatus PC-6/B1-H2 Turbo Porter A14-683, 12 Nov 1991]

==External links==
{{Commons|Pilatus PC-6}}
{{External media|topic= |width=20% |float=right |video1=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92ErTsiMwLw Documentary featuring the PC-6] |video2=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMzN_Gb8AXk STOL takeoff performed by a PC-6] |video3=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3hyfkcZ59w PC-6 display at the 2009 Durban Virginia airshow]}}
* {{Official website|http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/#2}}
* [http://www.pc-6.com The PILATUS PORTER World by Markus Herzig]

{{Pilatus aircraft}}
{{Fairchild aircraft}}
{{US STOL and VTOL aircraft}}
{{ADF aircraft prefixes}}

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