Pilatus Delivers PC-21 Trainer to Royal Saudi Air Force

To meet the requirements of a modern air force for the next 30 years, a completely new training system had to be developed. The PC-21 from Pilatus is designed to meet the expectation of modern air forces in both capabilities and life-cycle cost. It is a low-wing swept monoplane advanced trainer aircraft. Built specifically with students in mind, the training platform is as benign and easy to fly for trainees as it is satisfying and challenging for advanced pilots.

In terms of aerodynamic performance, cockpit equipment, and flexibility, the PC-21 far surpasses all previous turboprop trainers. Powered by Pratt & Whitney’s PT6A-68B engine and a five-blade graphite propeller, the air speed and climb rate of the PC-21 reaches the performance domain of jet aircraft. This allows trainees to spend more time in the PC-21 instead of flying more expensive jets which substantially reduces life-cycle costs, maintenance costs, and fuel expenses. Inside the aircraft is a fully digital glass cockpit with head-up displays, an up-front control panel, a hands-on throttle and stick control, and a full-sized multi-function display.

55 PC-21 aircraft have been ordered by the Royal Saudi Air Force. Overall, it marks the 1000^th aircraft manufactured to date by Pilatus. RSAF will replace their fleet of 47 PC-9 and use the PC-21 to provide basic flying training to pilots. Six aircraft were delivered to RSAF in June of 2014. The remaining aircraft are currently in production. As part of the deal, 22 Hawk 165 advanced jet trainers were also ordered. These will be used to train pilots to fly Eurofighter Typhoon multi-role combat aircraft.  The PC-21 is currently operated by the air forces of Singapore, Switzerland and the UAE, while Qatar has also ordered a fleet of PC-21.

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