The first batch of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) pilots have arrived in Switzerland to undergo conversion training on the Pilatus PC-21 aircraft.
The pilots will subsequently form a team responsible for the development of a new training curriculum and simulators under Project AIR 5428 Pilot Training System.
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Included in the 2009 Defense Capability Plan, the AIR 5428 project involves the replacement of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) PC-9/A and CT-4B aircraft with Pilatus PC-21 training aircraft.
The pilot training systems delivered under the project are expected to cover all facets of undergraduate pilot training, from basic flying to entry into air force lead-in fighter and operational conversion units.
Australia is buying 42 PC-21 and seven Flight Training Devices (simulators) for the new Pilot Training System, under a contract signed with Team-21 in September 2015.
Team 21, comprising Lockheed Martin, Hawker Pacific and Pilatus, will deliver aircraft, simulators, other training equipment and a comprehensive long-term support package.
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By GlobalDataThe first aircraft and simulators under the Project AIR 5428 are expected to be delivered in 2017.
Australia will also acquire three PC-21 aircraft for the Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU) and four Forward Air Control variants for Number 4 Squadron.
The PC-21 will be based at RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria and RAAF Base Pearce in Western Australia.
Powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-68B turboprop engine, the PC-21 is a low-wing swept monoplane advanced trainer aircraft designed to fulfil the requirements for basic, advanced and fighter lead-in training for pilots and, if required, weapon systems officers (WSO).
The aircraft features a fully digital glass cockpit with head-up displays, an up-front control panel (UFPC), a hands-on throttle and stick (HOTAS) control, and full sized multi-function displays.
Image: A Pilatus PC-21 aircraft flying over Australia. Photo: courtesy of Pilatus.
