Pilatus PC-21

Pilatus PC-21
Name	PC-21
Type	Turboprop trainer
Manufacturer	Pilatus Aircraft
First flight	1 July 2002
Introduction	2008
Status	In service
Primary user	Swiss Air Force
Number built	200+ (as of 2024)
Unit cost	approx. $10 million USD

Pilatus PC-21 is a state-of-the-art, single-engine turboprop trainer aircraft designed and manufactured in Switzerland by Pilatus Aircraft. It was developed to provide advanced pilot training, bridging the gap between basic trainers and high-performance jet aircraft like the Eurofighter Typhoon or Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. Entering service in 2008, the PC-21 is renowned for its high performance, advanced glass cockpit, and cost-effective training capabilities for modern air forces.

Development and design

The development program was launched in the late 1990s to create a successor to the highly successful Pilatus PC-9, aiming to further reduce the cost and time required for military pilot training. The first prototype conducted its maiden flight from Stans on 1 July 2002. The design incorporates a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68B turboprop engine, a five-bladed Hartzell Propeller with full feathering and reversing capability, and a modern airframe with a stepped tandem cockpit optimized for training. Key design goals included achieving jet-like handling characteristics, high g-force tolerance, and integrating a sophisticated avionics suite from Honeywell and BAE Systems that emulates frontline fighter systems. The aircraft's systems are managed through three head-up displays and hands-on-throttle-and-stick controls, providing an immersive training environment for student pilots destined for aircraft like the Saab JAS 39 Gripen.

Operational history

The PC-21 entered operational service with the Swiss Air Force in 2008, replacing older Pilatus PC-9s at the Swiss Air Force Training Command. Its introduction significantly altered pilot training syllabi, allowing for more advanced maneuvers and systems management to be taught on a turboprop platform. Following its success in Switzerland, the aircraft was selected by the Royal Saudi Air Force as part of a comprehensive training system provided by BAE Systems. Other major operators include the Republic of Singapore Air Force, which uses the PC-21 at the Royal Australian Air Force's RAAF Base Pearce under the Boeing-led Air Affairs Australia contract, and the Qatar Emiri Air Force. The Spanish Air and Space Force also selected the PC-21 to replace its ENAER T-35 Pillán fleet. The aircraft has proven effective in training pilots for advanced fighters like the Dassault Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Variants

The PC-21 has been produced in a single primary variant, but its configuration and avionics packages are often tailored to specific customer requirements through collaboration with system integrators like BAE Systems and Airbus. For the Royal Saudi Air Force, the aircraft is part of the larger Saudi British Defence Cooperation Programme. The United Arab Emirates Air Force evaluated the aircraft, though it ultimately selected the Aermacchi M-346 Master. A proposed armed variant has been marketed for light attack and reconnaissance duties, similar to the Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano, but no production orders have been placed. The basic airframe and systems architecture have remained consistent, with updates focused on software and mission system enhancements.

Operators

Primary military operators include the Swiss Air Force with 8 aircraft, the Royal Saudi Air Force with 55 aircraft, and the Republic of Singapore Air Force with 19 aircraft. The Royal Australian Air Force does not own PC-21s but hosts Singaporean training at its facilities. The Qatar Emiri Air Force operates 24 aircraft, and the Spanish Air and Space Force has ordered 24 units. The French Air and Space Force evaluated the type. The aircraft is also operated by private contractors such as Air Affairs Australia for training support. In 2023, the German Air Force selected the PC-21 to replace its Grob G 120 trainers.

Specifications (PC-21)

General characteristics * Crew: 2 (student and instructor) * Length: 11.23 m (36 ft 10 in) * Wingspan: 9.11 m (29 ft 11 in) * Height: 3.75 m (12 ft 4 in) * Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68B turboprop, 1,200 kW (1,600 shp) * Propeller: 5-bladed Hartzell Propeller Performance * Maximum speed: 685 km/h (370 kn, 425 mph) * Range: 1,333 km (720 nmi, 828 mi) * Service ceiling: 11,580 m (38,000 ft) * g-limits: +8/-4 Avionics * Honeywell integrated avionics suite with three head-up displays * BAE Systems mission and weapons management system * Simulated radar and electronic warfare emulation

Accidents and incidents

The PC-21 has maintained a strong safety record. A notable incident occurred on 19 February 2019, when a Republic of Singapore Air Force PC-21 crashed near RAAF Base Pearce in Western Australia during a training flight, resulting in the fatal loss of one crew member; the accident was investigated by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau. Another incident involved a Swiss Air Force PC-21 making a precautionary landing in a field near Payerne in 2015 after a technical issue, with minimal damage. There have been no hull losses attributed to fundamental design flaws, and the aircraft's systems are credited with aiding in emergency recoveries.

Category:Military trainer aircraft of Switzerland Category:Pilatus aircraft Category:Single-engined turboprop aircraft