U-28A
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The U-28A utility aircraft provides multi-role intra-theater support for special operations forces. This information was taken from the official US Air Force fact sheet.
[edit] Features
The U-28A is the Air Force variant of the Pilatus PC-12 and was selected for its versatile performance characteristics and ability to operate from short and unimproved runway surfaces. The U-28A is also certified to land on dirt and grass strips. Due to it’s efficient design and the use of a single engine, the U-28A’s direct operating cost is about a third less than a comparable multi-engine aircraft and nearly half that of the nearest comparable jet. The aircraft is equipped with weather radar and a suite of advanced communications and navigation gear.
[edit] General Characteristics
Primary Function: Intra-theater support for special operations forces Builder: Pilatus Power Plant: One Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67B turboprop Thrust: 1605 shaft horsepower flat-rated to 1200 shp. Length: 47 feet, 3 inches Height: 14 feet Wingspan: 53 feet, 3 inches Max Cruise Speed: 270 knots true airspeed Max Payload: 2,973 lbs. Ceiling: 30,000 feet Maximum Takeoff Weight: 9,920 lbs. Ground Roll: 1,475 ft. at max takeoff weight Range: 1,513 nautical miles Crew: Two pilots. However, the aircraft can be flown by one. Date Deployed: August 2005 Unit Cost: 3.5 million plus cost of upgrades Inventory: 6
