NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
Pilatus Porter PC-6 aircraft have been flying since 1961 and are still going strong today. The aircraft are manufactured for Europe in Switzerland by Pilatus, and in the United States by Fairchild Aircraft.
The PC-6 is one of the most useful utility aircraft in the world. It has been used for parachuting, photography, as a float plane, and for operating from frozen strips. It can hold ten fully equipped parachutists. They appreciate that it can get into the air and land quickly for quick turn around due to its short take off and landing ability.
With a payload in excess of 2,200 lbs. the Porter is well suited for hauling cargo from small, remote air fields. Special tie down rails permit the cargo to be transported without the risk of it shifting during flight.
Aerial photographers appreciate the stability that the PC-6 provides. In addition the aircraft has the flight envelope and maneuverability to accommodate virtually all photographic situations.
Pilatus Porter aircraft are renown for their abilities to tow heavy loads. They can get two gliders into the air and up to release altitude quickly. The aircraft have also been employed to tow large advertising banners.
With big doors which slide open for ease of access, short take off and landing abilities, combined with large payloads, the PC6 makes an excellent air ambulance.
Snow and ice operations are enhanced by equipping the Porter with skis which can be retracted to enable conventional runway landings as well.
The PC-6 can operate in environments which would quickly ground other aircraft. Its special filtration system works to keep debris from internally damaging engines.
The tail wheel can be protected with a special fitting in order to operate from non paved runways. Large, low pressure tires enable operations in loose sand and mud conditions. Its horizontal stab has been strengthened with fiberglass in order to operate in the harshest environments.
Pilatus Porter aircraft have been used for agricultural spraying and as air tankers for fighting blazes. A 340 gallon foam/water tank can quickly be fitted to a Porter when the need arises.
The aircraft is used by police departments and air forces of nations throughout the world, including the United States Army and Air Force.
A total of 549 Pilatus Porter PC-6 aircraft of all types have been produced to date.
You can find two sets of plans for the rc Pilatus Porter at the AMA Plans Service. Their 54" wing span model is under plan #23159 and their 68" wingspan model is under plan #25330.
MR Aerodesign has a giant scale Pilatus Porter kit. Its wingspan is 120" and length is 83". It needs a 45 cc engine and weighs around 30 lbs.
The RC Store.com has a rc Pilatus Porter kit for sale. The model it produces is intended for indoor flight. It has a wingspan of 36" with a length of 24". An Astro Flight Firefly motor is the preferred power.
Phoenix Model has a rc Pilatus Porter ARF for sale. Its wingspan is 43" and its fuselage is 30" in length. You will need a geared Speed 400 or Speed 500 type motor for power. Weight is around 24 oz.
The picture above is of the Aero Pars rc Pilatus Porter scale model airplane from their kit. It has a 64" wingspan and a 54" length. Recommended power comes from a Motorfly 2815 motor. All up weight is about 4 lbs. 13 oz.
Pictured right below is the rc Pitatus Porter from a Dumas kit. Its wingspan is 40" and length is 27". It needs a GWS 2202 geared motor for power.
Second down is the VQ Warbirds rc Pilatus Porter ARF. It has a wingspan of 62" and a length of 46". Power can come from .40 to .46 two stroke, .48 to .53 four stroke engines, or an equivalent output electric motor. Weight is about 5 1/2 lbs.
The next picture down is of the rc Pilatus Porter from an E-Star Models kit. The model has a 47" wingspan and 33" length with a weight of about 22 oz. It is constructed from balsa and plywood. Recommended power is a BL motor geared 6:1.
Easy Build has a rc Pilatus Porter kit. It has a 53" wingspan. Materials used are balsa and plywood. A Speed 600 size motor is required for power. Weight is around 28 oz.
The Ikon N' Wst kit for the rc Pilatus Porter may still be found, upon occasion, at RC Universe and eBay. Wingspan is 98" and weight is around 14 lbs. Construction is from balsa and plywood. From .80 to 1.20 engines are needed for power.
ICARE has a number of rc Pilatus Porter ARF scale model airplanes. They all have operating flaps and are made from balsa and plywood.
The smallest rc Pilatus Porter ARF from ICARE has a wingspan of 77", a length of 57", and a weight of around 9 lbs. Power can come from .71 - 4C engines or the equivalent electric motors.
ICARE has a rc Pilatus Porter turbo ARF with a 81" wingspan that is 61" long. You will need from .60 to .72 - 4C engines or motor power.
ICARE has a giant scale rc Pilatus Porter for sale with a 98" wingspan and 71" length. Power can be from 25 - 50 cc engines. Weight is around 18 lbs.
There is a giant scale rc turbo Pilatus Porter ARF for sale from ICARE with a wingspan of 104" and a length of 77". It needs from 25 - 50 cc engines up front. Weight is about 18 1/2 lbs.
Stepping up in size is the giant scale ICARE rc Pilatus Porter ARF with a 126" wingspan and 99" length. From 80 - 150 cc engines can power the approximately 30 lb. scale model.
Largest of the giant scale ICARE rc Pilatus Porter airplanes is their turbo ARF with a 132" wingspan. Length is 102". It too uses from 80 - 150 cc engines and weighs in at around 30 lbs.
The final picture on this page is of the giant scale rc Pilatus Porter ARF from Top Model CZ. Its wingspan is 126", length is 99" and weight is about 29 lbs. Suggested engines are from 58 to 80 ccm.
Pilatus Porter PC-6
