Pilatus PC-21
Template:Short description Template:Infobox aircraft
The Pilatus PC-21 is a turboprop-powered advanced trainer with a stepped tandem cockpit. It is manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland.
DevelopmentEdit
In November 1997 Pilatus flew a modified PC-7 Mk.II in order to test improvements for a prospective next generation turboprop trainer. As a result of these tests, Pilatus elected to fund the development of a new training system in November 1998; development of the new trainer, designated as the PC-21, formally started in January 1999.<ref name = "hist 2006"/> The PC-21 would be developed and certified as a completely new training system, aimed at meeting future military customers' specifications in terms of capability and life-cycle costs for the next three decades.<ref name=spec/>
A key aim for the PC-21 was to allow jet aircraft pilots to perform the majority of their training using the type before converting to jet-powered types, allowing operators to make substantial savings. In order to achieve this aim, the new trainer was required to have an expanded performance envelope in terms of aerodynamics, cockpit equipment, flexibility, and ease of maintenance.<ref name = "hist 2006">Hoyle, Craig. "Switzerland special: Pilatus the success story." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 17 March 2008.</ref><ref name = "next gen trainer">"The NextGen Trainer." Template:Webarchive Pilatus Aircraft, Retrieved: 22 March 2016.</ref><ref>"PC-21 set to revolutionise training for air forces." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 22 July 2002.</ref> In May 2002 Pilatus announced that it aimed for the PC-21 to capture 50% of the global trainer aircraft market between 2005 and 2030.<ref name = "pre-pro"/><ref name = "50 market">Wastnage, Justin. "Pilatus aims for half of trainer sales with PC-21." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 7 May 2002.</ref>
From the start of the aircraft's development, Pilatus aimed for the type to have a predictable cost profile over its full lifespan. To meet this goal, the firm chose to incorporate modern materials, an innovative design concept, and full-scale fatigue analysis.<ref name = "pil brouch"/> Additionally, accompanying the aircraft itself are integrated training systems to meet the pilot's needs; the full package offered by Pilatus includes synthetic training devices, computer-based training, and classroom instruction.<ref name = "next gen trainer"/> As a result of greater training effectiveness, pilots can graduate with fewer total training hours, reaching the frontline faster and at lower cost.<ref name = "pil brouch"/> In addition to pilots, various prospective aircrew, such as navigators, weapons officers, and electronic warfare operators, can be trained using the type's embedded simulation/emulation system.<ref name = "pil brouch"/>
On 30 April 2002, the rollout of the first PC-21 prototype was performed at Pilatus' factory in Stans, Switzerland; this aircraft conducted its first flight on 1 July of the same year.<ref name = "first proto fly">"Pilatus flies PC-21 and aims for certification in 2004." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 9 July 2002.</ref> In May 2003, Pilatus management formally green-lit the program to proceed to full development.<ref name = "pen simul"/> On 7 June 2004, a second PC-21 prototype, the construction of which had been delayed to incorporate improvements learnt from assembling the first, made its maiden flight.<ref name = "first proto fly"/> In December 2004, Switzerland's Federal Office for Civil Aviation granted type certification for the PC-21; civil certification was attained despite it being a military aircraft as this permitted civil maintenance procedures to be used as well as allowing the aircraft to be supplied under private finance arrangements.<ref name = "pil brouch"/> Individual Swiss military certification for equipment such as ejection seats has been applied as necessary.<ref name = "flight test int">Collins, Peter. "FLIGHT TEST: Pilatus PC-21 – Fast learner." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 2 December 2008.</ref>
On 13 January 2005, the second of the two development aircraft crashed in Buochs, Switzerland, while conducting an aerobatic training flight; the accident resulted in the death of the pilot as well as injuring another person on the ground.<ref>Wastnage, Justin. "Test pilot killed in PC-21 accident." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 18 January 2005.</ref> In response to the accident, the other PC-21 was grounded for several weeks until Swiss authorities had established that there was no sign of technical malfunction.<ref>"PC-21 grounding lifted after crash." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 1 February 2005.</ref> In August 2006, it was announced that crash investigators had concluded that pilot error had been a primary cause.<ref>Wastnage, Justin. "January 2005 crash of prototype Pilatus PC-21 attributed to pilot error in official crash report." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 25 August 2006.</ref> In late August 2005, the first pre-series production PC-21 performed its maiden flight.<ref name = "pre-pro">"Swiss air force poised to acquire six PC-21s." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 13 September 2005.</ref>
DesignEdit
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The Pilatus PC-21 is an advanced single-engine trainer aircraft; it is often referred to by Pilatus as being the "Twenty-first Century Trainer".<ref name=spec/><ref name = "next gen trainer"/> The type can be applied for various training capacities, including basic flying training, advanced flight training, full mission management training, and embedded simulation/emulation. In order to perform these functions, the aircraft possesses a powerful, flexible, and cost-effective integrated training system; providing sufficient ease of use for inexperienced pilots while posing greater challenge to advanced pilots.<ref name = "pil brouch"/> According to Pilatus, upon product launch, the PC-21 possessed "superior aerodynamic performance when compared with any other turboprop trainer on the market".<ref name=spec/>
The aircraft features a tandem-seating arrangement (student in front/instructor behind) in a bird strike-resistant glass canopy with allround vision. The cabin, which is pressurized, is equipped with an On-Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS), air conditioning, and Martin-Baker CH16C Zero-Zero ejection seats.<ref name=spec/><ref name="pil brouch">"PC-21: 21st Century Training for 21st Century Air Forces." Template:Webarchive Pilatus Aircraft, Retrieved: 23 March 2016.</ref> The flight controls, which are fully balanced and harmonized, are optimized for ease of operation and overall effectiveness.<ref name = "pil brouch"/> An anti-g system is also present in order to minimize the effects of high g-forces experienced during tactical training and aerobatic maneuvers. Pilots are able to spend a greater amount of time concentrating on the aircraft's external situation and upon mission data inputs due to an ergonomic design approach, ease-of-use controls, and clear visual/system data displays.<ref name = "pil brouch"/> In addition, a full autopilot and civil flight management system are also present.<ref name = "flight test int"/>
The PC-21 is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68B turboprop engine of 1,600 shaft horse power, which drives a five-bladed graphite scimitar propeller manufactured by Hartzell;<ref name=spec/><ref name = "pil brouch"/> it has been claimed by Pilatus that the PC-21 possesses speed and climb rates previously normally performed only by jet-powered aircraft.<ref name = "pil data"/> It is also fitted with a high-speed profile wing, rated for maneuvers up to 8g, complete with hydraulically-assisted ailerons and spoilers which enable the execution of fighter-like rates of roll and other maneuvers.<ref name=spec/><ref name = "pil data"/> In order to make the aircraft easy to fly at low speeds, crucial to the advanced trainer role, the PC-21 is furnished with a digital power management system and the rudder control system is equipped with an automatic yaw compensator/suppression system to compensate for airspeed and engine power changes.<ref name=spec/><ref name = "pil brouch"/><ref name = "pil data">"Aircraft Data." Template:Webarchive Pilatus Aircraft, Retrieved: 22 March 2016.</ref>
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A key feature of the PC-21 is the embedded simulation and training suite, which provides cross-platform cockpit emulation, weapons simulation, stores management system, simulated radar and electronic warfare, a tactical situation display, and data link functionality.<ref name = "pil brouch"/><ref name = "pen simul">Penny, Stewart. "Pilatus unveils simulation system for PC-21 trainer." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 3 June 2003.</ref> Key to this is the Mission Support System (MSS), which comprises the Mission Planning System (MPS) and Mission Debriefing System (MDS); data can be loaded and unloaded from these, which is compatible with ground-based stations for pre-flight configuration or post-mission analysis.<ref name = "pil brouch"/> The integrated mission computer is of an open architecture, allowing for third-party modifications and upgrades to take place; software can also be customized to conform to customer preferences.<ref name = "pil brouch"/><ref>Hoyle, Craig. "Pilatus to adapt PC-21." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 14 November 2006.</ref> Critical and non-critical software are also deliberately separated.<ref name=spec/>
The cockpit of the PC-21 features a high level of systems integration and conforms to modern avionics standards. The systems of the forward and rear cockpits can be 'de-coupled' between the student and instructor; the instructor may exercise real-time manipulation of the student's displays, sensor performance, and system modes such as to create synthetic air-to-air radar targets, artificial non-safety critical system failures, and controlled data degradation.<ref name = "pil brouch"/><ref name = "pil cockpit"/> The aircraft's fully digital glass cockpit features three large colour liquid crystal displays (LCD), one performing as the primary flight display (PFD) and two multi-function displays (MFDs) for system/mission management, in addition to CMC Electronics-provided head-up displays (HUD) for both the pilot and instructor.<ref name = "pil brouch"/><ref>"Integrated cockpit is pillar of new product strategy." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 15 June 2005.</ref> The trim gauge is the only analogue dial in the cockpit.<ref name = "50 market"/> For control simplicity, a Hands on Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) control philosophy has been followed. Both the display and control systems present also resemble their counterparts used upon modern front-line combat aircraft for greater realism during training; and can be further customized in order to be more representative of specific combat aircraft.<ref name = "flight test int"/><ref name = "pil cockpit">"A Cockpit for Maximum Training Value." Template:Webarchive Pilatus Aircraft, Retrieved: 22 March 2016.</ref> The multi-sensor navigation system is capable of operating under a military tactical mode as well as a civil navigation mode.<ref name = "pil brouch"/>
Operational historyEdit
AustraliaEdit
The PC-21 was one of the submissions for the Royal Australian Air Force's project AIR 5428, which sought a replacement of its Pilatus PC-9s;<ref>Pittaway 2010, p. 20.</ref><ref>Waldron, Greg. "Lockheed, Pilatus, Hawker Pacific bid for RAAF basic trainer deal." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 3 October 2013.</ref> in September 2015, it was announced that the consortium comprising Lockheed Martin, Pilatus and Hawker Pacific ("Team 21"), had won the bid to provide 49 PC-21s to the Australian Defence Force.<ref>"Lockheed Martin Wins Air 5428." Australian Defence Magazine, 13 May 2015.</ref><ref>Pittaway, Nigel. "Australia To Buy PC-21 Trainers, Relocate Basic Training." Defense News, 11 September 2015.</ref>
FranceEdit
In January 2017, Pilatus received a contract for 17 PC-21s by the French Department of Defense as a new training aircraft.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On 31 August 2018, France's defence procurement agency Direction générale de l'armement announced the arrival of the first two PC-21s. The delivery of the remaining aircraft is scheduled to be completed in 2019.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
In 2024, the PC-21 was used by the French Air Force as a surveillance aircraft during the 2024 Paris Olympics Game.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
JordanEdit
In August 2015, Pilatus received a contract to deliver nine PC-9Ms to the Royal Jordanian Air Force, but in April 2016 changed the order to eight PC-21s. Deliveries were due to start in January 2017 under the original deal.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
QatarEdit
In July 2012, it was announced that the Qatar Air Force had placed an order for a complete pilot training system from Pilatus centering upon the PC-21. The package included ground-based training devices, logistical support and maintenance in addition to 24 PC-21 aircraft.<ref>Pocock, Chris. "Pilatus PC-21 Scores Another Pilot Training Win in Qatar." Template:Webarchive AIN Online, 27 July 2012.</ref><ref>Hoyle, Craig. "First Qatari PC-21 enters ground test." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 20 February 2014.</ref> On 1 October 2014, the Qatar Air Force formally received its first batch of PC-21 trainers.<ref>"Emiri Air Force receives first batch of PC-21 aircraft." Template:Webarchive Gulf Times, 1 October 2014.</ref><ref>Hoyle, Craig. "First PC-21s head for Qatar." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 30 September 2014.</ref>
Saudi ArabiaEdit
On 23 May 2012, Saudi Arabia signed a £1.6 billion ($2.5 billion) contract for a comprehensive next-generation military pilot training system, comprising 22 BAE Systems Hawk advanced jet trainers in addition to 55 PC-21 trainers.<ref name="Saudi deal">Hoyle, Craig. "Saudi Arabia signs 102-aircraft military training deal." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 23 May 2012.</ref><ref>Trimble, Stephen, "Pilatus PC-21s in package deal with Hawks for Saudi air force." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 17 May 2012.</ref> In early June 2014, Pilatus commenced delivery of the first six PC-21s to Saudi Arabia;<ref>Hoyle, Craig. "Saudi Arabia gets first six PC-21 trainers." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 11 June 2014.</ref> by the end of 2015, this had risen to 46 PC-21s delivered.<ref>Hoyle, Craig. "Follow-on purchase to boost Saudi Hawk renewal." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 19 February 2016.</ref>
SingaporeEdit
In November 2006, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) awarded a service contract to Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training and Support (LMSTS) to deliver 19 PC-21 aircraft, to support the RSAF's Basic Wings training course at RAAF Base Pearce in Australia under a public–private partnership (PPP) arrangement, replacing the SIAI-Marchetti S.211.<ref>"PC-21s to Replace S211s for RSAF's Basic Wings Training." Template:Webarchive defense-aerospace, 3 November 2006.</ref><ref>Wastnage, Justin. "Lockheed Martin Pilatus team win Singapore trainer deal, launch of PC-21 production now possible." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 3 November 2006.</ref> Singapore was the first export customer for the PC-21.<ref>David, Donald. "Australia Joins Singapore in the PC-21 Club." Template:Webarchive AIN Online, 14 February 2016.</ref> On 21 January 2008, the first RSAF PC-21 completed its flight test prior to being accepted into service.<ref name="RSAF">Template:Cite press release</ref><ref>Warwick, Graham."PICTURE: Pilatus flies first PC-21 for Singapore." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 19 February 2008.</ref> On 13 July 2008, the type began to provide the RSAF with basic flying training, by which point a further six aircraft had been delivered.<ref name="fact">Template:Cite press release</ref>
SpainEdit
The PC-21 has been evaluated by the Spanish Air Force (along with the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II and the PZL-130 Orlik III), as a possible substitute for its ENAER T-35 Pillan and CASA C-101 Aviojet trainer aircraft.<ref name="Revista">Template:Citation</ref> January 2020 saw the Spanish Air Force confirm an order for 24 PC-21 aircraft, which will replace mainly the CASA C-101 Aviojet, but will also take over advanced training which is currently carried out on the T-35 Pillan.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
SwitzerlandEdit
In the Armament Program 2006, the Swiss Parliament approved an initial purchase of the PC-21 for the Swiss Air Force. By April 2008, four PC-21 have been accepted by the Swiss Air Force following the passing of acceptance trials, and flight operations were set to start in July that year.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> In December 2010, the Swiss Air Force placed an order for another two aircraft.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Trimble, Stephen. "Pilatus receives follow-on PC-21 trainer order from Swiss air force." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 17 December 2010.</ref>
United Arab EmiratesEdit
During the 2009 Dubai Airshow, the United Arab Emirates announced an order of 25 PC-21 trainers for the United Arab Emirates Air Force (UAEAF) to replace its aging fleet of Pilatus PC-7s.<ref name="UAE">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On 22 November 2010, the UAEAF's first PC-21 performed its maiden flight.<ref name="AFM274-1">Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Hoyle, Craig. "PICTURES: UAE's first PC-21 makes flight debut." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 23 November 2010.</ref>
OperatorsEdit
Current operatorsEdit
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- Royal Australian Air Force: 49 ordered September 2015, deliveries completed November 2019.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
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- French Air and Space Force (Armée de l'air et de l'espace): 17 ordered January 2017,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref> all delivered by August 2019, 9 additional ordered in 2021 to be delivered in 2023.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=":19">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Template:Flag (12)
- Royal Jordanian Air Force: 12 delivered as of August 2019 (8 ordered in 2015 instead of 9 PC-9M, 2 additional option converted in October 2016, 2 additional ordered in January 2017.<ref name=":19" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Template:Flag (24)
- Qatar Emiri Air Force: 24 ordered July 2012, first delivery in 2014.<ref name="QAT">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Template:Flag (55)
- Royal Saudi Air Force: 55 ordered May 2012, first delivery in 2014.<ref name = "Saudi deal"/>
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- Republic of Singapore Air Force: launch customer; operates 19 in Australia on Basic Wings Course (BWC) as part of a contract for availability, together with Lockheed Martin and Hawker Pacific.
- Template:Flag (24 + 16)
- Spanish Air and Space Force: 40 ordered in November 2019, first delivery in 2020.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref> 24 at the end of 2022, the remaining 16 to be delivered from 2023 to 2025.<ref name=":19" />
- Template:Flag (8)
- Swiss Air Force: operates 8 for advanced training, replacing the BAe Hawk which had been retired in 2003.
- Template:Flag (25)
- United Arab Emirates Air Force: operates 25 for advanced training, first flight made on 22 November 2010. CHF 520 million deal<ref name=":19" />
- Qinetiq: operates two for advanced training on behalf of the Empire Test Pilot School at Boscombe Down. <ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Future operatorsEdit
- Template:Flag (19)
- SkyAlyne was selected to train the future Canadian Air Force pilot in cooperation with CAE and KF Aerospace through the programme FAcT (Future Aircrew Training). The pilots will be trained on Grob 120TP, PC-21, King Air 260, H135 and Dash 8-400 depending on the assignment.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The purchase was confirmed in November 2024.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Potential customersEdit
- The Belgian Air Force is also considering the PC-21, among other platforms, to potentially replace its fleet of SF260 Marchetti trainers, which are nearing the end of their service lives.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Bulgarian Air Force: The Bulgarian Ministry of Defence will be in talks with Pilatus Aircraft to acquire PC-21s to replace its PC-9Ms(And possibly L-39s) as part of the F-16 Block 70 modernization project.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Royal Malaysian Air Force<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Swedish Air Force: requires a successor for its Saab 105 fleet.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> A strong contender is the T-7 Red Hawk, partially designed and manufactured by Saab, however the price of the PC-21 is an advantage.
Specifications (PC-21)Edit
Template:External media Template:Aircraft specs
See alsoEdit
Template:Portal Template:Aircontent
ReferencesEdit
- Notes
- Bibliography