Swiss Air Force Places Order for Six Pilatus PC-21 Trainers

Released on Monday, January 22, 2007

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd is to deliver six PC-21 training aircraft, the associated logistics and engineering services plus mission planning and debriefing systems for the PC-21 Jet Pilot Training System operated by the Swiss Air Force (JEPAS PC-21). The agreement, which was signed in Stans on 22 January 2007, was concluded with armasuisse, the procurement and technology centre that operates within the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports (DDPS). The aircraft will be stationed at the air force base in Sion (principal location) and in Emmen.

The PC-21 trainers will be delivered by the end of 2007, and training for Swiss Air Force pilots is scheduled to commence in March 2008. JEPAS PC-21 will give the Swiss Air Force a state-of-the-art system that will allow student pilots to graduate directly to the F/A 18. The PC-21 combines civil certified IFR-compatibility and autopilot function with integral avionics, missions system, data link and representative simulation options for military training.

Oscar J. Schwenk, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd, said in his speech to mark the signing of the agreement: "It is certainly in our interests to ensure that our PC-21 helps make a success of the Swiss training concept, which involves a direct transition from turboprop trainer to mission aircraft. We are also proud to assume, for the first time, responsibility for the entire PC-21 system in Switzerland, and look forward to providing long-term product and operational support in Sion and Emmen".