Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft will equip the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) PC-21 training aircraft with UTC Aerospace Systems’ terrain-referenced navigation (TRN) system.
UTC’s Terprom uses onboard sensors and a loaded digital map to provide ground collision avoidance and obstruction warning without any forward electronic emissions.
The TRN function of the system provides accurate and drift-free navigation, as well as increases situational awareness.
UTC Aerospace Systems sensors and integrated systems managing director Kevin Pindard said: "This combination of ground-based and airborne Terprom software allows us to support our customer, Pilatus, in delivering world-class pilot training to the ADF.
"With this innovative technology already in use on the Australian jet trainers, there is commonality for crew across training systems."
The ADF’s 49 PC-21 aircraft will be equipped with Terprom software, using which trainee crews will benefit from drift-free terrain referenced navigation, predictive ground collision avoidance and obstruction warning and cueing.
UTC Aerospace will also provide simulator software for the ADF’s ground-based training equipment.
Work under the project is being carried out by UTC Aerospace Systems’ Atlantic Inertial Systems business in Plymouth, UK.
The Pilatus-built PC-21 expanded envelope trainer aircraft has been designed to meet the requirements for basic, advanced and fighter lead-in training for pilots and, if required, weapon systems officers (WSO).
Powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-68B turboprop engine, the training aircraft features a fully digital glass cockpit with head-up displays, an up-front control panel (UFPC), hands-on throttle and stick (HOTAS) control and full-sized multifunction displays, giving a similar cockpit environment to current generation fighters, such as the AV-8B, F-16, F/A-18 and Gripen.
