, Come June 2008, the RSAF will replace its current batch of Marchetti S-211s with a brand new trainer aircraft – the Pilatus PC-21. The S-211 has been the RSAF's basic trainer for a good 22 years.
The RSAF awarded a service contract to Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training and Support (LMSTS) on 3 Nov to support the Basic Wings Course.
The course aims to provide pilots with the knowledge and skills of basic flying before they progress to advanced aircraft training.
LMSTS will supply and maintain a fleet of Pilatus PC-21 aircraft and a suite of ground-based training systems to 130 Squadron (130 SQN) in Pearce, Australia.
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd will supply 19 of its latest PC-21 advanced turboprop trainers, while Hawker Pacific Ltd will provide aircraft maintenance services.
|
Click to Enlarge
PC-21 turboprop trainer in flight over Switzerland with Swiss Air Force F-5s (courtesy of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.)
More Military Pictures
|
Explaining the RSAF's decision to replace the Marchetti S-211 basic trainer, LTC Philip Chionh, Head Flying Training Branch, Air Training Department, said: “The S-211 is already more than 22 years old, and as a result its maintenance costs have been rising steadily.
“The RSAF has embarked on a flying training transformation to replace our ageing trainers with a more cost-effective and efficient training solution.”
Real value
What is it about the PC-21 aircraft that makes it a better choice than other turboprop trainers in the market?
It was developed as a completely new training system both in terms of capability and life-cycle cost.
With its superior aerodynamic performance and a more powerful and cost-effective integrated training system, the PC-21 allows trainees to take in a larger proportion of the flying training syllabus.
The trainer plane will also incorporate avionics that allow the simulation of specific frontline missions. Pilot trainees can then develop the necessary capacity and skills with the complex systems operations and realistic tactical scenarios.
These advantages will mean substantial savings for every flying hour that the PC-21 replaces from a jet syllabus.
Expensive jet hours can now be reduced while the trainees become more proficient pilots with the focus on frontline skills. Flight safety during the realistic training scenarios will also be enhanced.
The PC-21 has been well-received by many of its customers. One of them even commented that the PC-21 is
