Dutch MoD selects the PC-7 Mk X
October 15, 2024
A contract will be awarded to Pilatus for eight PC-7 Mk X aircraft plus two simulators to replace the current fleet of 13 PC-7 trainers used for Elementaire Militaire Vlieger Opleiding (EMVO, Elementary Military Pilot Training) by 131 (EMVO) Squadron at Woensdrecht. The final selection process narrowed the choice to two suppliers. The losing bidder has reportedly filed a summary proceeding against the Ministry of Defence, meaning that a judge’s ruling will be required before the contract with Pilatus can be signed.
Replacement of initial training capacity
The PC-7 entered Koninklijke Luchtmacht service in 1988, and underwent a service life extension and modification programme with Pilatus at Stans from 2013. At one time, it was expected that the Netherlands might select the Embraer A-29N, under an MoU signed between Embraer and Netherlands Industries for Defense & Security (NIDV) in November 2023.
Student pilots currently undertake elementary training on the PC-7 before going on to the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) programme at Sheppard Air Force Base, in Texas, or to the Italian Air Force flying training schools at Lecce-Galatina and Decimomannu.
The new PC-7 Mk X is an improved and modernised version of the Pilatus PC-7 Mk II, and is based on the latter’s type certificate. The PC-7 Mk II blended the improved airframe, and avionics of the later PC-9 with the wing of the PC-7, and powered by a 700-shp PT6A-25C engine and not the 550-shp PT6A-25A of the PC-7, or the more powerful 950-shp PT6A-62 of the PC-9.
Pilatus engineers made various upgrades to the design, including a more pointed and aerodynamic spinner, and small aerodynamic winglets. More important changes were made in the cockpit, with the installation of three large multi-function displays in each cockpit, some of them with touchscreen functionality. Martin-Baker ejection seats are installed, and the air-conditioning system has been fully overhauled.
Because the primary role of new training aircraft is elementary/basic training, relatively docile flying characteristics are required, and a more powerful aircraft, like the PC-21, is not required.
