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Royal Canadian Air Force set to receive 19 new Pilatus trainers

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Royal Canadian Air Force set to receive 19 new Pilatus trainers
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Pilatus has confirmed a contract to supply 19 PC-21 next-generation trainers to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) under the "Future Aircrew Training" (FAcT) program. The PC-21 is a turboprop-powered advanced trainer with a stepped tandem cockpit, and Pilatus has been producing single-engine turboprop aircraft for over eight decades.

The aircraft will be stationed at the Canadian Air Force base in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, starting in 2026. These trainers are intended to enhance training capabilities for aspiring military pilots as part of the FAcT program, which aims to modernize RCAF's training framework over 25 years. "The nineteen PC-21s will be stationed at the air force base in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, from 2026. They will primarily be used to provide advanced training for aspiring military pilots," Pilatus stated.

According to Pilatus, these trainers offer Canada an advanced yet cost-effective and environmentally friendly platform for military pilot training. It remains unclear whether Pilatus considered other platforms like Boeing and Saab's T-7 Red Hawk when claiming that the PC-21 is "the most technically advanced training system."

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The PC-21 is also used by various countries including Australia, France, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, and the UAE. Additionally, QinetiQ operates it for the UK Empire Test Pilots' School.

SkyAlyne senior executive Kevin Lemke emphasized that the PC-21 provides "numerous benefits over conventional training aircraft" with its "cutting-edge" avionics. SkyAlyne is tasked with providing training services to the Canadian Air Force under this program and has also partnered with Grob Aircraft SE to acquire 23 Grob G 120TP aircraft for FAcT.

Lemke highlighted that "the PC-21’s innovative design significantly reduces operating costs and greater efficiency in training operations." He added that these attributes make it an ideal choice for Canada's needs.

The comprehensive FAcT program includes aircraft provision along with simulators, civilian instructors, classroom systems as well as maintenance services among others. The contract's value stands at CAD $11.2 billion or USD $8 billion.

Currently equipped with aging North American T-6A Texan trainers numbering 22 units according to FlightGlobal reports; this new acquisition marks a significant upgrade in RCAF’s pilot training capabilities.

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