IAF gets its 75th Pilatus training aircraft

Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus today handed over its 75th PC-7 MkII training aircraft to Indian Air Force, marking the final delivery under a contract signed in 2012.

The induction of Pilatus aircraft PC-7 MkII Training System has enabled AF to revolutionise its basic pilot training capability.

India has already decided to exercise the option clause of ordering 38 additional Pilatus aircraft.

IAF had initially calculated a requirement of 181 basic trainer aircraft (BTA), out of which 90 were supposed to be bought off the shelf and 91 made in India.

However, the UPA government decided to go for a 75 aircraft contract with a 50 per cent follow-on clause.
 
"We are extremely pleased to have completed delivery of all PC-7 MkII trainer aircraft well ahead of the original IAF scheduled requirement.

"Delivering and supporting IAF's Basic Flight Training requirements have been a remarkable experience and we remain fully committed to supporting the fleet's in-service operations with equal efficiency and competence," Jim Roche, Vice President Government Aviation and Deputy CEO of Pilatus, said.

Since the first delivery in February 2013, the PC-7 MkII fleet has flown more than 40,000 hours and accumulated well over 80,000 landings.