Botswana receives 5 Pilatus PC-7 MkII trainer aircraft

Pilatus Aircraft from Switzerland has delivered 5 PC-7 MkII turboprop basic trainer aircraft to Botswana. Botswana has in the past ordered 7 previous generation Pilatus PC-7 aircraft in 1989, which entered service the following year.

The conventionally designed PC-7 MkII aircraft features:

• lowest direct operating cost off all turboprop trainer aircraft
• On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS)
• comprehensive safety and training features
• easy to operate and maintain
• modern glass cockpit and avionics
• exceptional aircraft handling
• easy access to engine and other systems
• can be customized according to customer requirements
• long engine life
• ejection seats
• anti-g system

The aircraft is suitable for both beginners and more advanced users.

Over 500 PC-7 and PC-7 MkII training aircraft have served in the air forces of 21 countries. The latest is India, which signed a $525 million contract for 75 PC-7 MkII aircraft in 2012 with an option for another 37 aircraft.

Deliveries of the first aircraft have already begun and is expected to be completed by 2015. They will replace the HPT-32 Deepak, which have all been grounded since 2009.

Specifications (aerobatic configuration)
Crew: 2
Length: 10.18 m
Wingpan: 10.19 m
Max takeoff weight: 2850 kg
Max range: 1500 km
Takeoff distance: 415 m
Landing distance: 665 m
Max speed: 556 km/hr
Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney PT6A-25C turboprop engine, 700 shp, with Hartzell 4-bladed aluminium propeller

http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/

By Christo Crous [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons