The Pilatus P-2 is a trainer aircraft designed and produced by Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus. Construction of the first prototype commenced in 1943, and it performed its maiden flight on 27 April 1945. The P-2 was operated by the Swiss Air Force between 1946 and 1981. The P-2 is fully capable of performing aerobatic maneuvers. Various components were sourced from other contemporary aircraft flown by the Swiss Air Force, like the landing gear from the Messerschmitt Bf 109. The origins of the P-2 can be traced back to Pilatus's desire to produce trainer aircraft for the Swiss Air Force. After the type's withdrawal from service, most surviving aircraft were sold to the civil sector, and they proved to be a popular civil flyer's airplane, often appearing in Luftwaffe markings in films and airshows.
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What is the Pilatus P-2 aircraft?
The Pilatus P-2 is a trainer aircraft. It was designed and produced by Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus. The development of the P-2 originated in the first half of the Second World War. The aircraft is a two-seater training aircraft, a cantilever low-wing monoplane of mixed construction (metal, wood, and fabric) with a fully retractable tailwheel undercarriage and dual control tandem seating.
The Pilatus P-2 was flown by the Swiss military air service. The military of Switzerland used the P-2 from 1946 until 1981. The P-2 is a beginner's first training plane, teaching fundamentals and basic skills. Pilatus P-2 aircraft are in use in America and Switzerland. The fleet is not publicly known and is not centrally watched, and there is no listed price for a Pilatus P-2.
What are the specifications of the Pilatus P-2?
The specifications of the Pilatus P-2 are given in the table below.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 9.07 m |
| Wingspan | 11 m |
| Height | 2.70 m |
| Takeoff | 758 ft |
| Landing | 515 ft |
| Climb | 1,280 fpm |
| Max speed | 180 kts |
| Cruise speed | 179 kts |
| Top speed | 335 km/h |
| Ceiling | 6,600 m |
| Weight | 1,970 kg |
The Pilatus P-2 is a low-wing monoplane of mixed construction with a fully retractable tailwheel undercarriage and dual control tandem seating. The aircraft has a length of 9.07 m (29 ft 9 in) and a wingspan of 11 m (36 ft 1 in). Its height is 2.70 m (8 ft 10 in) and wing area is 17.0 m (183 sq ft) with an aspect ratio of 7.1:1. Fuel capacity is 225 L (59 US gal) in three tanks, empty weight is 1,380 kg (3,042 lbs), and max takeoff weight is 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs). It is powered by a single Argus As 410A-2 V-12 inverted air-cooled piston engine, capable of producing up to 465 hp for take-off and 370 hp rated at 2,000 m (6,600 ft), with a 2-bladed Argus constant-speed propeller. Maximum speed is 340 km/h (210 mph, 180 kn) at 2,500 m (8,200 ft), cruise speed is 332 km/h (206 mph, 179 kn) maximum at 3,300 m (10,800 ft), and economical cruising speed is 306 km/h (190 mph, 165 kn) at 4,500 m (14,800 ft). Landing speed is 105 km/h (65 mph, 57 kn) and never exceed speed is 720 km/h (450 mph, 390 kn). Range is 865 km (537 mi, 467 nmi) at economical cruising speed with full fuel in still air. Rate of climb is 6.5 m/s (1,280 ft/min), take-off run is 231 m (758 ft) from ground, and landing run is 157 m (515 ft) on ground. First flight was on 27 April 1945, and total units produced is 55.
What is the performance of the Pilatus P-2?
The performance of the Pilatus P-2 is given in the table below.
| Aspect | Value |
|---|---|
| Climb | 1280 fpm |
| Max speed | 180 kts |
| Cruise speed | 179 kts |
| Range | 540 miles |
The Pilatus P-2 has a maximum speed of 340 km/h (210 mph) at 2,500 m (8,200 ft). Cruise speed is 332 km/h (206 mph, 179 kn) maximum at 3,300 m (10,800 ft). Economical cruising speed is 306 km/h (190 mph) at 4,500 m (14,800 ft). Never exceed speed is 720 km/h (450 mph). Landing speed is 105 km/h (65 mph). Rate of climb is 6.5 m/s (1,280 ft/min). The service ceiling is 6,600 m (21,653 ft). Range in still air at economical cruising speed with full fuel is 865 km (537 mi). Take-off run from grass is 231 m (758 ft). Landing run on grass is 157 m (515 ft). The powerplant is one Argus As 410A-2 V-12 inverted air-cooled piston engine. It has 347 kW (465 hp) for take-off and 280 kW (370 hp) rated at 2,000 m (6,600 ft). The P-2 is fully capable of performing aerobatic maneuvers.
What is the price for the Pilatus P-2?
The Pilatus P2 does not have a set market price range. The average price is $185,000 in Vilnius in 2026. The Pilatus P2 in Germany has an earlier price of $268,000. The highest price is $999,000. The Pilatus P205 from 1948 has a price of US$211,178. The 1948 Pilatus P206 is priced at $189,000.
Expert behind this article
Jim Goodrich
Jim Goodrich is a pilot, aviation expert and founder of Tsunami Air.
