AT-500

The Air Tractor AT‑500 is a single‑engine, turboprop agricultural aircraft that entered production in 1994 as the newest member of the company’s long‑standing AT series. Designed to replace the older AT‑402, the AT‑500 was built around a 500‑horsepower Pratt & Whitney PT6A‑15AG powerplant, delivering a higher cruise speed and greater payload without sacrificing the low‑speed handling prized by crop‑dusting pilots. Its spacious 23‑cubic‑meter hopper can carry up to 4,200 pounds of liquid or granular chemicals, while the optional dual‑spray bar system provides precise coverage of up to 1,200 acres per hour. The aircraft features a robust all‑metal airframe, a high‑wing configuration for unobstructed visibility, and a reinforced landing gear suited to rough, unprepared fields. Modern avionics include GPS‑guided spraying, a digital cockpit display, and a weather‑linked auto‑pilot, improving both efficiency and safety. Since its introduction, the AT‑500 has become a workhorse for large‑scale aerial application, reducing flight time and chemical waste compared with older piston‑powered models. Its reliability and versatility have cemented Air Tractor’s reputation as a leader in agricultural aviation and have helped shape contemporary standards for high‑performance agro‑aircraft worldwide.

Air Tractor

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification