Pilatus PC-6A Turbo Porter

One of the most successful aircraft of its class, the piston engined Pilatus PC-6 Porter featured a strong and reliable airframe, excellent short take off and landing (STOL) capability and excellent load-carrying capacity. A total of 50 Porters were built before production changed to the turboprop-powered PC-6A-H1, first flown on May 2nd 1961. Turbo Porters have enjoyed great success around the world and have been operated by various air arms, including those of Australia, Switzerland, Dubai, Indonesia, Iran, Oman and Sudan.

A single PC-6A Turbo Porter arrived in Israel in 1962 and was used by the 100th light transport squadron at Sde-Dov for utility, liaison and ambulance duties. Another Turbo Porter was procured in 1968 after a crash disabled the first example. The Turbo Porter was retired from service in 1973 and is currently on display at the IAF Museum in Hatzerim.