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Profile: Pilatus PC-21
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The Pilatus PC-21 aircraft is one of the RAAF’s most iconic training jets. It is often referred to as the “21st century trainer” because it can be applied to more training capacities than its competitors. It is part of the AIR 5428 Pilot Training System project – which will deliver upgrades to RAAF based facilities – and will replace the Force’s current PC-9/A aircraft, which were displayed for the last time in 2019 after 30 years of service.
While it was seen as the “end of an era”, the PC-21 was much anticipated due to its significant power boost, namely seen as an aircraft with superior aerodynamic performance compared to any other trainer in the market. It makes sense that so many air forces across the world, especially Saudi Arabia who bought 55 of them, are replacing their trainer aircraft with the PC-21.
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The PC-21 boasts some of the biggest advances in technology, including a pressurised cockpit, air conditioning, an anti-G system, onboard oxygen generation and a digital power management system. It is powered by a Pratt and Whitney PT6A-68B turboprop engine and has a 9.1-metre wingspan. The RAAF took on the last aircraft of the fleet in 2019, and now boasts 49 of the type. It was first purchased in 2015, after the Australian Defence Force signed a $1.2 billion contract to deliver the new pilot training jets.
Last seen: Most recently, the PC-21 aircraft was on full display at a dedicated memorial of RAAF personnel in late March. Held at Point Cook in Victoria, it honoured the 350,000 Australians who have served in the RAAF over the past century, including 11,191 Australians who died serving their nation. The display featured the Roulettes aerobatic team and historic RAAF aircraft, including a No. 100 Squadron DH.82A Tiger Moth, a CA-25 Winjeel, Pilatus PC-21 aircraft and the Air Force Balloon.
Career highlight: In July 2019, the first 10 students completed five months of the new training aircraft and completed 40 hours of flying on the jet.
Fleet: 49
Purchased: 2015
Length: 11.2m
Height: 3.8m
Speed: 685km/h
Operated by: No. 4 Squadron
Based: RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria, RAAF Base Pearce in Western Australia
Range: 1,333km
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