P C - 12 N GX
“The window frames
are new; that’s how
we kept the stress
levels the same”
businessjetinteriorsinternational.com
038 JANUARY 2020
Pilatus says
the new headliner,
inspired by the
PC-24’s, gives
more headroom
But Pilatus has flexed its aviation engineering
expertise on several structural changes too. For example,
the windows have been enlarged by 10%, and the PC-12
NGX windows adopt the ‘soft rectangle’ shape of those on
the PC-24. “This enables passengers to see greater angles
outside of the aircraft without moving from a relaxed
seating position, giving the perception of much larger
windows,” says Aniello.
The engineers’ task was to ensure the new windows
performed as well as the old ones. “We had to prove to
the authorities that the strength and the fatigue is still
the same,” says Bretscher. “The window frames are all
new; that’s how we kept the stress levels the same as
before. Before it was a rounded window with a sheet
metal frame, now it’s a milled frame.”
INDIRECT LIGHTING
Aniello explains that because the bigger windows allow
more natural light in, Pilatus was able to eliminate the
direct overhead light lenses in the cabin and replace them
with indirect upwash lights. LEDs are used, as before.
“It also made sense to bring in effect lights below the
table, creating more depth,” he says. “Since flight
situations vary a lot in terms of light conditions, we made
sure to have an easy and intuitive lighting control system
/businessjetinteriorsinternational.com