Industry voice: The specialized niche of special missions
Marcel Hofmann, Product Manager at Pilatus Aircraft Ltd, explains how fixed-wing aircraft can be configured to meet the specific needs of this unique market
Meeting customer needs starts with understanding your customers
Special mission projects are always a customer-specific solution and represent a unique niche within the Pilatus product portfolio. In most cases, a requested configuration is not accessible as a standard solution. Therefore, it is essential to have a deep understanding of our customers and their specific requirements in order to tailor our solutions to their needs. Customer satisfaction is our top priority throughout the entire process, from the initial introduction and design concepts to manufacturing and ongoing operations. Pilatus is dedicated to comprehending our customers’ existing challenges and being there to support them.
Specific modifications for airborne special missions
In the special missions sector, Pilatus offers the PC-12 and PC-24 aircraft, which are typical for air ambulance missions, as well as for surveillance and search and rescue roles at the local, state, and federal levels with the incorporation of retractable EO/IR [electro-optical/infrared] sensors, sensor operator consoles, special radio communication systems, and high-density transport seating. Particularly for the air ambulance segment, these aircraft possess unique features that are unmatched in the market. These features include:
- Countless destinations – capable of operating from short runways at maximum weight and on various surfaces, including dirt, gravel, and grass
- Medical systems – fully dedicated and integrated air ambulance interiors designed for intensive medical operations
- Spacious cabin – offering a generous amount of cabin space with a completely flat floor
- Cargo door – equipped with a generously sized cargo door that can be utilized as a patient loading door with stretcher loading system that allows patient loading head forward and fully horizontal.
Our aircraft provide solutions to accomplish these missions much more cost-efficiently than traditional rotor-wing aircraft.
Working with customers throughout the purchase process
We work very closely with our customers. Our customers prefer us as their trusted partner because we know and understand their needs. Especially in this specialized niche of special missions, sales are tailored to specific customer requirements and have to be met accordingly. Therefore, it is essential to involve and work very close with our customers together.
The latest technology and materials
We are constantly incorporating the latest technology and materials to enhance our aircraft. By utilizing these technologies and materials, we aim to provide special mission operators with reliable, efficient, and tailored aircraft interiors that support their specific operational needs.
Use of fixed-wing aircraft for special missions
We perceive the market for the use of fixed-wing aircraft in the special missions industry as stable. However, we can continuously expand the market and are delighted with every new customer who can fulfill one of their operations with our aircraft.