“I completely believed that I was flying a jet”
Flight International Magazine – 12/2008
The Next Generation Trainer

The Ultimate Training System

To train the next generation of military pilots, Pilatus developed the next generation trainer: the PC-21, designed and built specifically with student pilots in mind. With air force budgets under continuous pressure, the PC-21 provides a cost-effective and highly efficient training solution. On the PC-21, pilots destined to fly fighter aircraft do not need to transition to jets until much later than those flying conventional trainer aircraft, reducing cost and training time. To achieve this, Pilatus significantly expanded the design and performance envelope to take this single-engine turboprop into an area that was, until now, exclusively the domain of jet trainer aircraft.

A Worldwide Proven Training System
Fully Integrated Training
Ground-Based Training Solutions
Max Power
1,600 shp
Max Rate of Climb
4,091 ft/min
Max Speed
370 KEAS
Features

Ab-Initio to Advanced Training

The PC-21 is as benign and easy to fly for the ab-initio student as it is challenging and rewarding for the pilot preparing for the front line. The capabilities of the PC-21 make it ideally suited to a very wide training envelope. It can be used from day one, eliminating the need for an elementary flying training fleet and also bridging the performance gap between traditional turboprop trainers and expensive lead-in fighters. In this respect, the PC-21 provides significant advantages over traditional turboprops and jet trainers.

Features

Next Generation Training for Next Generation Air Forces

The PC-21 design ensures a predictable operating cost profile. An innovative concept, modern materials and validation with a full-scale fatigue test, result in an aircraft that is ideal for both conventional and performance-based operations. Experience with existing PC-21 customers has shown that it is possible to reduce the cost of taking a student to wings graduation by more than 50 per cent.

Technical Specs

Take-Off Ground Roll 1,608 ft
Landing Ground Roll 1,969 ft
Max Rate of Climb 4,091 ft/min
Time to Climb to 10,000 ft 2 min 35 s
Max Cruise Speed (Vh) at Sea Level 323 KTAS
Max Cruise Speed (Vh) at 10,000 ft 337 KTAS
G Loads Aerobatic + 8.0 g | - 4.0 g
G Loads Utility + 5.0 g | - 2.5 g
Roll Rate at 10,000 ft 200°/sec
Take-Off Ground Roll 490 m
Landing Ground Roll 600 m
Max Rate of Climb 20.78 m/sec
Time to climb to 3,048 m 2 min 35 s
Max Cruise Speed (Vh) at Sea Level 598 km/h
Max Cruise Speed (Vh) at 3,048 m 624 km/h
G Loads Aerobatic + 8.0 g | - 4.0 g
G Loads Utility + 5.0 g | - 2.5 g
Roll Rate at 3,048 m 200°/sec
Cockpit

Fully Customisable up to Your Needs

Systems integration is at the heart of the PC-21 cockpit philosophy. As an advanced trainer aircraft, the cockpit display and control systems are configured to match the latest generation front-line aircraft as closely as possible. Trainees are exposed to an operational cockpit environment at the earliest stages of their training. This enables aircrew to acquire skills that are of direct relevance to front-line aircraft from day one.

Latest Generation Cockpit
G Loads
+ 8.0 g | - 4.0 g
Ejection Seats
Zero-Zero
Max Roll Rate
200°/sec
Multi Mission Capability

Enhanced Training for Each Phase

The PC-21 is designed not only to satisfy the requirements for basic and advanced military pilot training but also to provide enhanced training for all aircrew in the following skills: mission planning and tactical navigation, mission system management, civil flight management, electronic warfare, air-to-air operations and air-to-ground operations including radar training, simulated weapons employment and night vision goggles operation. The PC-21 is enhanced by the ability to adapt the aircraft avionics to the requirements of each phase of training. The front and rear cockpits can be de-coupled for independent operation or to allow instructor access to training modes and data not available to the trainee.

Ground-Based Training

Maximise Training Efficency on Ground

The objective of a modern pilot training system is to produce a pilot capable of meeting the demands of flying today’s sophisticated aircraft. With increasing cost of equipment, resources and time, this goal needs to be achieved as economically as possible. Preparation on the ground saves perspiration and failure in the air. By the time students fly, they should be totally familiar with aircraft systems and avionics functionality. The PC-21 Ground-Based Training System translates student learning into an airborne context.

Integrated Logistics Support

From Logistics On-Demand to Performance-Based

With increasing global pressure on defence budgets, many air forces are seeking more innovative ways to support their aircraft fleets. Defence ministries are also investigating new ways to manage complex systems. To support this change, Pilatus has developed performance-based contracting, an advanced contracting framework specific to the PC-21 Training System. The aim is to ensure that the operating air force receives an affordable product that meets its explicit performance criteria. This is achieved by contracting for an integrated support package that focuses on overall output requirements, delivering a target availability, rather than separating discrete input measures such as parts, maintenance and technical services.

Why Own a PC-21?
Ten Reasons

01

Multi Use

The PC-21 can be used as a basic, advanced and fighter lead-in trainer. This reduces the number of different aircraft in the training pipeline and delivers optimum efficiency for maximum student quality in minimum time.

02

Outstanding Cockpit

The cockpit avionics with the display and control system can emulate latest generation front-line aircraft.

03

Top Performance

The PC-21 has better aerodynamic performance than any other turboprop trainer on the market, pushing the speed and climb rate into a domain previously reserved for jets only.

04

Integrated Training

The PC-21 Ground-Based Training System translates student learning into an airborne context. All elements of training are highly integrated and can be customised in line with customer wishes.

05

One-Stop-Shop

Pilatus can provide all the elements required for efficient pilot training; aircraft, ground-based training systems, documentation and conversion training.

06

Cut Costs

The PC-21 dramatically cuts the total cost of training student pilots to front-line standards.

07

Tailored Service

Pilatus offers integrated service from supply chain management and engineering support to complete maintenance solutions.

08

Proven Track Record

Eight visionary air forces operating 209 aircraft rely on the PC-21 in climates ranging from the heat of the desert to the cold of the high Alps.

09

Customer First

Pilatus customers are only a call away from genuine Pilatus service. We will support your aircraft for as long as it is part of your training solution.

10

Swiss Quality

We are proud of our over-engineered precision and innovative drive. Pilatus Aircraft Ltd has been developing, producing and selling aircraft worldwide since 1939, earning a reputation for excellence that spurs us on to even greater achievements.

Would you like further information about the The Next Generation Trainer?

Contact us now to fly PC-21!