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Spain’s first Pilatus PC-21 turboprop trainer takes to the skies

Spanish Air Force PC-21 turboprop trainer
Spanish Air Force PC-21 during its first flight. Photo: Pilatus Aircraft

The first PC-21 trainer aircraft built for the Spanish Air Force has completed its first production test flights in Switzerland.

Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus announced the milestone on December 18, ahead of the start of Spanish Air Force pilot training next year.

2021 is also when serial delivery of a total of 24 PC-21s is expected to begin. Pilatus is scheduled to deliver the final airframe by 2022 under a 200 million euro contract.

Ejército del Aire is the third European air force to opt for the PC-21. The single-engine turboprop trainer aircraft will replace the Casa C-101 jet trainers used since 1980.

In addition to the aircraft, the contract will see Pilatus deliver simulators, spare parts and logistics support.

The PC-21 is a single-engine turboprop that has been chosen by nine air forces so far. Pilatus says it has already sold 235 PC-21s to nine air forces – including Singapore, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, France and Australia.

Photo: Pilatus Aircraft