RSAF Pilatus PC-21 Makes its Maiden Flight
Monday, 21st January 2008
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s first Pilatus PC-21 aircraft trainer completed its successful flight test in Stans, Switzerland on 21 Jan 2008. The acquisition of the Pilatus PC-21, a highly advanced tandem-seat turboprop aircraft trainer, is part of the RSAF's transformation to enhance the basic training and proficiency of its pilot trainees. The first batch of 6 PC-21 aircraft trainers will be delivered to the RSAF Flying Training School (FTS) for its Basic Wing Course (BWC) at Pearce, Australia in April 2008.
Photo Credit: Flickr.
Background: In November 2006 the RSAF took the first step toward the complete modernization of its training assets by selecting a Lockheed Martin and Pilatus team to provide its future primary flight training (the Basic Wings Course). Under a 20-year contract, Lockheed Martin will deliver and maintain a turn-key operation with 19 Pilatus PC-21s plus complete ground school and simulator training. Operations begin in June 2008. This contractorized system replaces the SIAI-Marchetti S.211 (now Aermacchi S-211) jets previously flown by the RSAF's 130 Sqn for basic training. Like the S.211s, the PC-21s will operate from Pearce Air Base in Australia.