Price: £100.00

Pilatus PC-21

Pilatus Aircraft Limited introduced the new PC-21 training aircraft in May 2002. The PC-21 Expanded Envelope Trainer aircraft is designed to fulfil the requirements for basic, advanced and fighter lead-in training for pilots and, if required, Weapon Systems Officers (WSO).

The aircraft combines the procurement and operating costs of current generation turboprop aircraft with a jet training capability. It has a higher wing loading that is more characteristic of a jet and the engine's power output is scheduled by using a sophisticated power management system.

Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) training such as night vision goggles, basic radar interception and the simulated deployment of smart weapons can be transferred to the PC-21. By employing a PC-21 for straight-through training the cost of training a student to 'wings graduation' can be significantly reduced, the training time shortened and the student pilot's advanced training failure rates reduced.

The aircraft is fitted with a fully digital glass cockpit with head up displays, an Up Front Control Panel (UFPC), Hands On Throttle And Stick (HOTAS) control and full sized multi-function displays giving a similar cockpit environment to current generation fighters, such as the AV-8B, F-16, F/A-18 and Gripen.

Performance

A top speed of 590 km/hr
Weight: 13,250 lb's all up with two 1000lb bombs.
Powerplant: One Pratt and Whitney PT6A-68B rated at 193kW.
Armament: None