Royal Canadian Air Force to Use 19 PC-21 Next Generation Trainers in the Future

Pilatus has signed a contracttodeliver19PC-21trainingaircraft.ThePC-21will not only provide Canada withthemost technically advanced training system but also a very cost-effective, environmentally friendly training platform for military pilots.

Pilatus is pleasedtoannouncethesuccessful conclusion of a major contract with KF Aerospace as part of its collaboration with SkyAlyne fortheRoyalCanadianAirForce’s (RCAF) “FutureAircrew Training” (FAcT) program.Thecontractinvolvesthedelivery of nineteen state-of-the-artPC-21trainingaircraft.

ThenineteenPC-21s will be stationed attheairforcebaseinMoose Jaw, Saskatchewan, from 2026.They will primarily beusedtoprovide advanced training for aspiring military pilots.The25-year FAcT program is designedtofundamentally modernize and expandtheRCAF training capabilities.

“SkyAlyne is excitedtobe working with Pilatus on this important project.ThePC-21offers numerous benefits over conventional trainingaircraft and is equipped with cutting-edge avionicstoensure a seamless transitiontofrontline jets,”explains SkyAlyne senior executive KevinLemke.“Inaddition,thePC-21’sinnovative design delivers a significant reductioninoperating costs and greater efficiencyintraining operations.These qualities makethePC-21theideal choice for Canada.”

Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus, commented as follows on this important new contract:“This contract is further proof ofthecapabilities of ourPC-21training system. Canada ranks amongsttheworld’s most renowned and professionalairforces, and we‘re very proudtobe part of this groundbreaking project. We‘re very much looking forwardtoworking with our partners and we can assure everyone of our commitmenttoproviding Canada withthebest training system andthebest possible customer support. We‘d liketothank everyone fortheir confidenceinPilatus andthePC-21, ourNextGenerationTrainer madeinSwitzerland!”

Ioannis Papachristofilou, Vice President Government Aviation at Pilatus, added:“This milestone is a significant achievement for allinvolved, and we’re very proud thatthePC-21will now serve asthebackbone of Canada’s military pilot training program for decadestocome.”

Proven,integrated training system

ThePC-21by Pilatus offers an advanced training platform specifically designedtomeettherequirements of modern pilot training.ThePC-21is known for its efficiency and versatility, and is recognized worldwide as a leading trainingaircraft. Besidestheaircraft itself,theintegratedPC-21training system alsoincludes mission planning and debriefing systems as well as training materials – all essential elementstosupport ground-based training.

Thetotal fleet ofPC-21s worldwide currently stands at just under 250. Customersincludetheworld’s leadingairforcesinEurope,theMiddle and Far East, and Australia.TheSwissAirForceadoptedthePC-21in2008, and hasused ittosuccessfully trainfuturemilitary pilots ever sincethen.

Source: PilatusPhoto Credit: Pilatus