The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently experienced a significant incident when a Pilatus PC-7 Mk II aircraft crashed during a training mission, leading to the unfortunate death of two pilots. The event marks the first crash involving this specific model in nearly a decade and has stirred discussion around the aircraft’s use in the IAF. This article aims to give a detailed insight into the Pilatus PC-7 Mk II trainer aircraft and its role within the Indian Air Force.
The Role of Trainer Aircraft
Trainer aircraft play a critical part in preparing new pilots and aircrews, serving as simplified, cost-effective versions of modern military planes. Due to their complexity, real-life combat aircraft pose a challenge for novices. Therefore, training planes make an essential preliminary step towards mastering flying skills. The IAF uses these specialized aircraft extensively, with 75 Pilatus PC-7 Mk II planes currently in action. These planes are adopted for basic training at the initial phase of flight instruction for cadets.
Progression and Types of Trainer Aircraft in the IAF
Once cadets sufficiently grasp the basics on the Pilatus PC-7 Mk II, they move on to other models for more advanced training. The HAL Kiran, an intermediate jet-powered trainer, is next in the progression chain, followed by the BAE Hawk, a British advanced trainer. By moving through these different training stages, cadets acquire comprehensive knowledge and capabilities, enabling them to operate complex military aircraft safely and efficiently.
Understanding the Pilatus Aircraft
The Pilatus PC-7 is a turbo-prop aircraft featuring tandem seating, an upgraded version of the original variant from the 1970s, introduced in the 1990s. Running on a Pratt & Whitney engine, it can reach top speeds of 412 km/h and altitudes up to 10,000 m. The aircraft has a range of 1,200 km without external tanks, allowing for over 4 hours of flight time.
The IAF and the PC-7 Mk II
The IAF procured 75 Pilatus PC-7 Mk II aircraft from Pilatus Aircraft Ltd, a Swiss-based aerospace manufacturer, in 2012. The acquisition was a response to an urgent need for training planes when the domestically developed HPT-32 model was grounded following fatal accidents that caused numerous casualties among the IAF pilot group.
Replacement of the PC-7 Mk II
In the light of recent events and continuous attempts to keep up with modern demands, the Indian Defence Ministry signed a contract to acquire 70 HTT-40 aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) as a replacement for the PC-7. The HTT-40 is a basic trainer aircraft, like the PC-7, but features a four-bladed turbo-prop engine instead of the three-bladed one on the PC-7. The HTT-40 also comes with up-to-date equipment, including an air-conditioned cockpit, modern avionics, hot refuelling capability, and zero-zero ejection seats.
