Aircrafttotal Encyclopedia


Type	Trainer aircraft

The Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer is a low-wing tandem-seat training aircraft, designed and manufactured in Switzerland by Pilatus Aircraft. The aircraft is capable of all basic training functions, including aerobatics, instrument, tactical, and night flying

The PC-7 was developed from the preceding piston-powered Pilatus P-3,[1] largely differing by the adoption of a turboprop engine, a bubble canopy, and a new one-piece wing. Introduced during the 1970s, it has since developed a sizable presence of the global trainer market.[2] The type has been adopted by in excess of twenty air forces as their ab initio trainer, as well as multiple civilian operators. Over one million hours have reportedly been flown by PC-7s worldwide.[citation needed] In addition to training operations, some aircraft are armed and have been used for combat missions by several customers, including Chad, Iran, and Mexico, often in violation of the relevant export agreement between the customer and the Swiss government.

Development

Pratt & Whitney PT6 turboprop nose installation and four-bladed propeller

Origins

Work on what would become the PC-7 commenced during the 1960s. It was based on the earlier piston-powered Pilatus P-3, the initial prototype being produced from the existing prototype P-3, principally differing by the substitution of its Lycoming O-435 engine with a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-20 turboprop power-plant. On 12 April 1966; 57 years ago, the modified prototype performed its maiden flight. However, the PC-7 programme was abruptly shelved following an accident involving the aircraft. The termination of work was reportedly driven by a lack of market interest.

During 1973, it was decided to restart work on the programme; factors for its revival had included the 1973 oil crisis, the launch of the rival Beechcraft T-34C Turbo-Mentor, and the increasing age of existing trainer aircraft. To support the relaunch, another P-3 was obtained from the Swiss Air Force. After modifications, this aircraft first flew on 12 May 1975; 48 years ago. Further extensive modifications followed later in the programme, including the adoption of a new one-piece wing complete with integral fuel tanks, along with an altered tail fin and a bubble canopy.The flight test programme came to a close during Autumn 1977.^[

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Pilatus PC-7 Trainer

General Info

Crew: two, pilot instructor and student pilot
Capacity: two
Length: 9.78 m (32 ft 1 in)
Wingspan: 10.40 m (34 ft 1 in)
Height: 3.21 m (10 ft 6 in)
Wing area: 16.60 m² (178.7 sq ft)

Powerplant

Empty weight: 1,330 kg Max takeoff weight: 2,700 kg Fuel capacity: 474 L (104 imp gal; 125 US gal) usable internal fuel, 2x 240 L (53 imp gal; 63 US gal) external fuel drop tanks • Max landing weight: 2,565 kg Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-25A turboprop, 410 kW (550 hp)(derated from 485 kW (650 shp)) Propellers: 3-bladed Hartzell HC-B3TN-2 / T10173C-8 constant-speed propeller, 2.36 m diameter

Empty weight: 1,330 kg
Max takeoff weight: 2,700 kg
Fuel capacity: 474 L (104 imp gal; 125 US gal) usable internal fuel,
2x 240 L (53 imp gal; 63 US gal) external fuel drop tanks
• Max landing weight: 2,565 kg
Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-25A turboprop, 410 kW (550 hp)(derated from 485 kW (650 shp))
Propellers: 3-bladed Hartzell HC-B3TN-2 / T10173C-8 constant-speed propeller, 2.36 m diameter

Performance

Maximum speed: 412 km/h (256 mph
Cruise speed: 316 km/h (196 mph, 171 kn) (econ. cruise at 6,095 m
Stall speed: 119 km/h (74 mph, 64 kn) (flaps and gear down, power off)
Never exceed speed: 500 km/h
Range: 1,200 km (750 mi, 650 nmi) standard range without external drop tanks, ferry range with external drop tanks, (cruise power, at 5,000 m (16,000 ft) - 20 min reserves)
Ferry range: 2,630 km (1,630 mi,
Endurance: 4 hr 22 min
Service ceiling: 10,060 m
g limits: -3 / +6

Armament

Hardpoints: 6 × underwing hardpoints for bombs and rockets with a capacity of 1,040 kg (2,294 lb)

Special Links Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Pilatus PC-7 NG

Links to Youtube & Others

All export sales of the PC-7 are subject to approval by the Swiss Government, whose authorisation is required prior to any delivery taking place.

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Pilatus PC-7 Trainer

During the 1990s, the PC-7 Mk.II M was adopted as the basic trainer of the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) alongside the BAE Systems Hawk jet trainer.

Youtube Link

A number of PC-7s were employed by the Guatemalan Air Force in air strikes and for close air support (CAS) during the Guatemalan civil war, starting in 1982, until the end of the conflict in 1996.

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.
Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer
Introduction date PC-7: 1978
First flight PC-7: 12 April 1966
Manufactured 1966–present

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Pilatus PC-7 Trainer

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History Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.
Pilatus PC-7 Trainer
Introduction date PC-7: 1978 First flight PC-7: 12 April 1966
Manufactured 1966–present