Pilatus P-5

The Pilatus P-5 was a single-engined artillery observation aircraft project from Pilatus Aircraft in Switzerland.^[1]

Design and development

The first drawings for the Pilatus P-5 were made in 1951. The client was the Federal Military Department (EMD). The main purpose for the P-5 was for artillery observation. It was a single-engine, two-seat high-wing monoplane with fixed wheels. The aircraft frame was intended to be built out of tubular steel and skinned with metal. The main wings and tail were intended to be made from an alloy, not steel. This aircraft had fixed wing with slats and flaps fitted on to them. The pilot and observer were seated in a generously glazed cabin that had exceptionally good visibility in all directions. This view was due mainly to the curved sides which allowed the aircrew to look almost straight down. This P-5 design was abandoned in 1951 and no prototype aircraft were ever built.^[2]

Specifications (P-5 estimated)

Data from Pilatus Flugzeuge: 1939–1989^[2]

General characteristics

• Crew: 2
• Length: 9.2 m (30 ft 2 in)
• Wingspan: 12 m (39 ft 4 in)
• Height: 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in)
• Empty weight: 860 kg (1,896 lb)
• Powerplant: 1 × Walter Minor 6-III V-8 inverted air-cooled piston engine, 120 kW (160 hp)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 190 km/h (118 mph; 103 kn)
  
• Landing speed: 53 km/h (33 mph; 29 kn)
• Service ceiling: 4,800 m (15,748 ft)
• Rate of climb: 6 m/s (1,200 ft/min)
  
• Take off distance: 65 m (213 ft)
• Landing distance: 50 m (164 ft)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

• Miles Master

Notes

References

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