The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNAF) signed a contract with Pilatus on Friday to acquire eight PC-7 MKX turboprop trainers as well as four flight simulators.
A separate agreement provides for support for the aircraft for five years.
The turboprop trainers will replace older PC-7s received in 1988 and which will reach the end of their service life in 2027, the year in which deliveries will begin.
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The aircraft, which performs Elementary Military Kite Training (EMVO) at the RNAF, is tasked with training pilots for the 5th generation F-35A Lightning II fighters, as well as helicopters.
“We have had a long and good relationship with Pilatus. With the contract signing for a state-of-the-art learning environment we are extending this partnership for another 30 years,” stated the Dutch Ministry of Defense.
“We’re delighted to announce this contract for our new PC-7 MKX training system and we thank Holland for its decision! This marks the beginning of a new era of basic flight training in the Netherlands, which – I am sure – will set a new standard that other air forces will seek to follow,” stated Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus.
The Netherlands will be the first country to operate the PC-7 MKX, which incorporates upgrades such as a cockpit with three high-definition multifunction screens.
Check out the technical specifications of the PC-7 MKX
- Take-Off Distance Over 15 m Obstacle (Sea Level): 460m
- Landing Distance Over 50 ft Obstacle (Sea Level): 690m
- Max Rate of Climb (Sea Level): 815 m/min
- Max Cruise Speed (Vh) at Sea Level: 445 km/h
- Max Horizontal Speed (Vh) at 3,048 m: 465 km/h
- G Loads Aerobatic (With landing gear up and locked or down and locked): + 7.0 g | – 3.5 g
- G Loads Utility (With landing gear up and locked or down and locked): + 4.5 g | – 2.25 g
