| Country of Origin: China |
| Type: Utility transport. |
| Powerplant: Two 462kW P&WC PT6-27 turboprop. |
| Performance: Cruising speed 135kts. Max speed 177kts. Service ceiling 23,000ft. Range w/ max fuel 1,340km. Max endurance 5h 25min. |
| Weights: Empty weight 2,840kg. Max TO weight 5,300kg. |
| Accommodations: Typical crew of 1 pilot with accomodation for 17 passengers. |
| Armament: None. |
| Operators: China, Iran, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, and Sri Lanka. |
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History: The Harbin Y-11 was developed to replace the An-2/ Harbin Y-5. Eight passengers could be carried in addition to the two crew. In 1990, Y-11B was developed with more powerful engines to give the plane better performance. The Y-12I shares the same configuration as the Y-11, but is larger in size, with a bigger fuselage cross-section and a fuselage plug ahead of the wings. The new cabin can accomodate 17 passengers. It was originally to have been designated as Y-11T1, but the Y-12 designation was adapted before the first flight. The aircraft was powered by 500-shp (373-kW) Pratt & Whitney PT6A-11 turboprops, instead of the planned 400-shp (298-kW) Allison 250-B17B turboprops. This led to the name 'Turbo Panda' for overseas marketing. Payload and range capability is dramatically improved over the Y-11. The prototype made its maiden flight on 14 July 1982 and was followed by about 30 productino aircraft, most of which were used to geographical survey and mineral exploration. Y-12I was replaced on the production line by Y-12II, built to international airworthiness standards, powered by 680-shp (507-kW) PT6A-27 engines, and with leading-edge slats deleted. The current production aircraft, the Y-12IV is equipped with improved flight controls and landing gear. In the West, the Y-12 is marketed by Canadian Aerospace Group with uprated PT6A turboprops and Westernised avionics, interior and landing gear as the Twin Panda. |
| Service w/ PAF: The first Y-12 was handed over to the PAF for trial and evaluation o 15 May 1993. The aircraft was evaluated for passenger and VIP communication and found suitable to PAF's requirements. A second Y-12 was acquired by the PAF and both were formally inducted in the PAF and handed over to the 41 LCA Squadron in December 1996. Both Y-12s are in eleven-seat configuration and are equipped with modern navigation and communication equipment of US origin. The Y-12 aircraft is also equipped with an effective airconditioning system and a weather radar with a colour display making it an all weather aircraft. |
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