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Pilatus soon for IAF
Switzerland’s Pilatus Aircraft is set to enter into the biggest contract yet for supplying 75 basic trainer aircraft at a cost of about Rs. 2,900 crore to the Indian Air Force. The Swiss company hopes to sign the contract soon, with the first consignment of 12 aircraft to be delivered in 24 months.
Following the government’s decision to ground HP-32 Deepak, manufactured by the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, the Indian Air Force is understood to have pressed for an immediate replacement.
India had called for offers for trainer aircraft in 2009. The company supplied over 500 trainer aircraft largely to countries in the Middle East.
The Rs. 2,900 crore deal for acquiring 75 Swiss Pilatus PC-7 turbo basic trainers is in the final stages now, with the “note” prepared for the Cabinet Committee on Security being “vetted” by the Finance Ministry at present.
Though the Pilatus trainer had emerged the cheapest among other contenders like American Hawker-Beechcraft’s T-6C Texan-II and Korean Aerospace’s KT-1 after flight trials, it was dogged by some allegations of irregularities in the procurement process. But MoD has dismissed them, holding the negotiations were completed with the Swiss company based on “its absolutely valid commercial offer”.
Performance of PC-7 MkII in the aerobatic configuration
| Take-off distance over 50 ft (15 m) obstacle at sea level | 1,360 ft | (415 m) |
| Landing distance over 50 ft (15 m) obstacle at sea level | 2,180 ft | (665 m) |
| Max. rate of climb, sea level | 2,910 ft/min | (14.79 m/sec) |
| Max. operating speed (Vmo) | 300 KEAS | (556 km/h) |
| Max. level cruise speed (VH) at sea level | 245 KTAS | (454 km/h) |
| Max. range | 810 NM | (1,500 km) |
Weights
| Basic empty weight (depending on configuration) | 3,771 lb | (1,710 kg) |
| Max. take-off weight, aerobatic | 4,960 lb | (2,250 kg) |
| Max. take-off weight, utility | 6,283 lb | (2,850 kg) |
Source: www.pilatus-aircraft.com
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