RAAF Select Pilatus PC-9 as New Trainer

RAAF Opt for the Pilatus Pc-9 In Far-Reaching Trainer Decision

The RAAF has selected the Swiss Pilatus PC-9 as its future primary trainer. In announcing the decision on December 16th, 1985 Defence Minister, Kim Beazley alluded to the now sizeable opportunities Australian industry had to work in partnership with an established European aircraft manufacturer.

The RAAF will acquire 69 PC-9s over a period spending nearly five years. Production in Australia will commence in mid 1986 for an initial entry into service in mid 1987 with the final aircraft being delivered in 1991. In RAAF livery the PC-9 will largely replace the role presently carried out by the diminutive CT-4 Airtrainer though due to its exceptional performance capabilities, it will vastly alter the overall training programme

The RAAF initially looked at replacing its CT-4s back in the late seventies as at the time it was believed that they had an airframe life of only 3,500 hours (subsequently revised to 8,000 hours+), a figure they would reach by the mid-eighties. When examining a CT-4 replacement the RAAF realised that the emerging new generation of high performance turboprop trainers in many cases could take up some of the lower-end duties of the MB-326H jet, which itself was under investigation for replacement. What evolved was a decision to proceed with a Macchi wing life extension programme and the introduction of a new turboprop primary trainer.

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