PC-9 | |
---|---|
General information | |
Type | Basic/advanced trainer aircraft |
National origin | Switzerland |
Manufacturer | Pilatus Aircraft |
Status | Active service |
Primary users | Swiss Air Force |
Number built | 265 |
History | |
Manufactured | 1984–present |
First flight | 7 May 1984 |
Developed from | Pilatus PC-7 |
Developed into | T-6 Texan II |
The Pilatus PC-9 is a single-engine, low-wing tandem-seat turboprop training aircraft manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland. Designed as a more powerful evolution of the Pilatus PC-7, the PC-9's first flight was made in May 1984 after which certification was achieved in September 1985. After this, the first production orders for the type were received from the Royal Saudi Air Force, with deliveries commencing in 1985. Since then, more than 250 airframes have been produced across five different variants, and the type is employed by a number of military and civilian operators around the world, including the Swiss Air Force, Croatian Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force and the Irish Air Corps