Pilatus PC-7

Work on what would become the PC-7 commenced during the 1960s. It was based on the earlier piston-powered Pilatus P-3, the initial prototype being produced from the existing prototype P-3, principally differing by the substitution of its Lycoming O-435 engine with a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-20 turboprop power-plant. On {{Start date and age|1966|04|12|df=y}}, the modified prototype performed its maiden flight. However, the PC-7 programme was abruptly shelved following an accident involving the aircraft.Air International September 1979, p. 112. The termination of work was reportedly driven by a lack of market interest.{{Cite web|url=https://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/disp_old_pdf.cfm?ARC_ID=1030|title=Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer|website=ForecastInternational.com|publisher=Forecast International|date=September 1999}}

File:Pilatus PC-7, Private JP6001892.jpgs under each wing, 1987.|alt=]]

During 1973, it was decided to restart work on the programme; factors for its revival had included the 1973 oil crisis, the launch of the rival Beechcraft T-34C Turbo-Mentor, and the increasing age of existing trainer aircraft. To support the relaunch, another P-3 was obtained from the Swiss Air Force. After modifications, this aircraft first flew on {{Start date and age|1975|05|12|df=y}}. Further extensive modifications followed later in the programme, including the adoption of a new one-piece wing complete with integral fuel tanks, along with an altered tail fin and a bubble canopy.{{Citation needed|date=June 2019}} The flight test programme came to a close during Autumn 1977.

On {{Start date and age|1978|08|18|df=y}}, the first production aircraft made its first flight. On 5 December of that year, Switzerland's Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) issued civil certification for the PC-7; immediately thereafter, initial deliveries of production aircraft commenced to customers Burma and Bolivia.Air International September 1979, p. 114. Over time, sales of the PC-7 generated considerable profits, allowing the company to finance the development of further types of aircraft.{{Cite web|last=Wastnage|first=Justin|date=26 February 2002|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pilatus-ponders-additions-to-civilian-aircraft-offer-143653/|title=Pilatus ponders additions to civilian aircraft offering|website=Flightglobal.com|publisher=Flight International|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616225802/https://www.Flightglobal.com/news/articles/pilatus-ponders-additions-to-civilian-aircraft-offer-143653/|archive-date=16 June 2019}}

The PC-7 Mk.II M is a development of the PC-9's airframe and avionics, which was powered by the PC-7's smaller turbine engine, which reportedly achieved lower operating and maintenance costs.{{Citation needed|date=June 2019}} This variant was developed at the behest of the South African Air Force (SAAF), who later adopted the type.{{Cite web|last=Wastnage|first=Justin|date=30 April 2002|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/peace-dividend-147001/|title=Peace dividend|website=Flightglobal.com|publisher=Flight International|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616225800/https://www.Flightglobal.com/news/articles/peace-dividend-147001/|archive-date=16 June 2019}} A batch of 60 PC-7 Mk.II Ms were locally assembled in South Africa using kits supplied by Pilatus for the SAAF; due to political considerations, these aircraft were not fitted with the armament hardpoints. Deliveries to the SAAF took place between late 1994 and 1996.

In addition to Pilatus' own improvement programmes, several third-party companies have independently developed their own upgrades for customer's PC-7. During the late 1990s, Israeli engineering firm Radom began offering a kit of new avionics for the type, which included a new mission computer, a wide-angle head-up display, along with various replacement communications and weapons-delivery systems.{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/radom-offers-pc-9-upgrade-for-training-and-combat-45347/|title=Radom offers PC-9 upgrade for training and combat|website=Flightglobal.com|publisher=Flight International|date=25 November 1998|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616225800/https://www.Flightglobal.com/news/articles/radom-offers-pc-9-upgrade-for-training-and-combat-45347/|archive-date=16 June 2019}}

During July 1998, Pilatus announced that it has come to an agreement with American company Western Aircraft, for the latter to act as a distributor for the PC-7 across the North American civil aviation market. At this time, there were already five civil-registered PC-7s in operation in North America; Pilatus believed that the region could be a viable market for both remanufactured and newly built examples of the type, which would be priced between $1 million and $2 million respectively. It was recognised that this market was limited, Western Aircraft expected to sell only a few aircraft per year.{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pilatus-appoints-western-to-market-pc-7-trainer-39757/|title=Pilatus appoints Western to market PC-7 trainer|website=Flightglobal.com|publisher=Flight International|date=22 July 1998|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616222757/https://www.Flightglobal.com/news/articles/pilatus-appoints-western-to-market-pc-7-trainer-39757/|archive-date=16 June 2019}}

All export sales of the PC-7 are subject to approval by the Swiss Government, whose authorisation is required prior to any delivery taking place. The sale of combat-capable aircraft has been a controversial matter at times, and political pressure has been applied for PC-7s to be shipped without the fittings for armaments being installed. The Swiss government has occasionally held up or outright refused to issue export licences for some nations, a move which has reportedly led to the loss of several potential sales, such as to South Korea and Mexico.

File:Pilatus PC7-1050 - Flickr - Ragnhild & Neil Crawford.jpg

In addition to its adoption by numerous military customers, the PC-7 has also been used by private customers. It has been certified for civil use by both the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as compliant with regulations pertaining to general aviation (GA) operations in both Europe and the United States. Amongst its uses in the civilian sector has been aerobatic displays.

During the 1990s, the PC-7 Mk.II M was adopted as the basic trainer of the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) alongside the BAE Systems Hawk jet trainer; the acquisition was seen a key to its expanded operations with fixed-wing aircraft.{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/brunei-finalises-mpa-configuration-9616/|title=Brunei finalises MPA configuration|website=Flightglobal.com|publisher=Flight International|date=18 October 1996|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616215326/https://www.Flightglobal.com/news/articles/brunei-finalises-mpa-configuration-9616/|archive-date=16 June 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/sultan-of-brunei-confirms-hawk-deal-109/|title=Sultan of Brunei confirms Hawk deal|website=Flightglobal.com|publisher=Flight International|date=12 March 1997|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616215325/https://www.Flightglobal.com/news/articles/sultan-of-brunei-confirms-hawk-deal-109/|archive-date=16 June 2019}}

During June 2011, the Indian Air Force (IAF) selected the PC-7 Mk.II M as its new basic trainer, signing a contract for an initial batch of 75 aircraft, with an option for buying an additional 38 PC-7 Mk.II Ms; the Indian military had a total requirement of 181 trainers.{{Cite press release|url=http://www.livefistdefence.com/2012/05/india-signs-deal-with-pilatus-for-75-pc.html|title=India selects Pilatus basic trainer|website=LiveFistDefence.com|publisher=Pilatus|date=24 May 2012|access-date=19 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150302232008/http://www.livefistdefence.com/2012/05/india-signs-deal-with-pilatus-for-75-pc.html|archive-date=2 March 2015}} The fast-tracked decision to procure a foreign aircraft over a domestically developed alternative proposed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was a controversial one; retired Air Marshal Anil Chopra argued that HAL had no viable design for the role, and that the IAF could not have reasonably afforded the delay involved in the development of such an aircraft.{{Cite web|last=Chopra|first=Anil|date=7 October 2013|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/Stuck-at-the-basics-of-aircraft-design/article20673247.ece|title=Stuck at the basics of aircraft design|website=TheHinduBusinessLine.com|publisher=Hindu Business Line|access-date= }} The procurement of an additional 106 trainers under the 'Make & Buy' (Indian) category was repeatedly deferred. In 2017, the maintenance agreement with Pilatus lapsed, resulting in the IAF becoming solely responsible for performing these activities.{{Cite web|last=Raghuvanshi|first=Vivek|date=20 July 2017|url=https://www.defensenews.com/training-sim/2017/07/20/swiss-firm-not-extending-maintenance-deal-for-indias-pc-7-trainers/|title=Swiss Firm not expanding maintenance deal for India's PC-7 trainers|website=DefenseNews.com|access-date= }} In 2018, India announced that it had chosen to exercise the option of buying a batch of 38 trainers.{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/iaf-gets-its-75th-pilatus-training-aircraft-pc-7-mkii/articleshow/49737603.cms|title=IAF gets its 75th Pilatus training aircraft PC-7 MkII|website=EconomicTimes.IndiaTimes.com|publisher=The Economic Times, India Times|date=14 July 2018|access-date=14 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117073311/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/iaf-gets-its-75th-pilatus-training-aircraft-pc-7-mkii/articleshow/49737603.cms|archive-date=17 January 2019|url-status=live}} However, as of 2020, the additional orders for PC-7 aircraft from IAF were cancelled in favour of the indigenous HAL HTT-40 from Hindustan Aeronautics, the orders for which was placed in 2022.

A number of PC-7s were employed by the Guatemalan Air Force in air strikes and for close air support (CAS) during the Guatemalan civil war, starting in 1982, until the end of the conflict in 1996. The PC-7s were typically deployed from the airfield in La Aurora, being armed with a mixture of gun pods and rocket pods.{{Cite web|last=Cooper|first=Tom|title=Guatemala since 1954|url=http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=91&Itemid=47|website=ACIG.org|publisher= |access-date=31 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084034/http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=91&Itemid=47|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live}}

During the lengthy Iran–Iraq War of the 1980s, amid tensions between Iran and the United States, it is alleged that Iranian officials threatened to arm its PC-7 fleet with explosives and use them to launch suicide attacks against United States Navy (USN) vessels present in the Persian Gulf.Razoux 2015, pp. 421–422. Iran reportedly trained a number of suicide pilots and flew some operational missions, training was performed at Bushehr Air Base in Iran and overseas in North Korea.Bodansky 1993, p. 14.Cordesman and Wagner 1991, p. 285. In early 1984, an Iranian attack helicopter AH-1J Sea Cobra was shot down by an Iraqi PC-7 during Operation Khyber (Iranian pilots Reza Moghadam and Mohammad Yazdi were rescued).{{Cite web|url=http://www.skywar.ru/IRIAF8088.html|title=Потери ВВС Ирана|trans-title=Losses of IRIAF|language=ru|website=SkyWar.ru|publisher= |date= |access-date= }}

In 1994, the Mexican Air Force used several armed PC-7s to attack units of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation during the Chiapas conflict in Mexico. This action was considered illegal by the Swiss government because the aeroplanes were sold for training purposes only, and as result, Switzerland issued a ban on the sale of additional units to Mexico.{{Cite web|last=Aranda|first=Jesús|date=13 November 2009|url=http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2009/11/13/index.php?section=politica&article=017n1pol|title=Ahora que la FAM pretende renovar su flota no puede adquirir aviones Pilatus C-9|trans-title= |language=es|website=Jornada.unam.mx|publisher=La Jornada|access-date=9 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100219130338/http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2009/11/13/index.php?section=politica&article=017n1pol|archive-date=19 February 2010}} At the time, the Mexican Air Force was the largest single export operator of the type, and had been seeking to acquire further PC-7s, thus the sales ban was viewed as an economic blow to Pilatus.{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/government-veto-blocks-pc-9-sale-to-mexico-27920/|title=Government veto blocks PC-9 sale to Mexico|website=Flightglobal.com|publisher=Flight International|date=8 February 1998|access-date= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616220109/https://www.Flightglobal.com/news/articles/government-veto-blocks-pc-9-sale-to-mexico-27920/|archive-date=16 June 2019}}

During the mid to late 1990s, Executive Outcomes, a private military contractor led by Eeben Barlow, utilised three armed PC-7s (ex-Bophuthatswana Air Force aircraft) to provide close air support (CAS) during its operations in Sierra Leone.{{Cite web|last=Barlow|first=Eeben|date= |url=http://www.galago.co.za/CAT1_025.htm|title=Executive Outcomes: against all odds|website=Galago.co.za|publisher=Galago|access-date=9 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071229125418/http://www.galago.co.za/CAT1_025.htm|archive-date=29 December 2007}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/gunships-for-hire-12048/|title=Gunships for hire|website=Flightglobal.com|publisher=Flight International|date=21 August 1996|access-date= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616215330/https://www.Flightglobal.com/news/articles/gunships-for-hire-12048/|archive-date=16 June 2019}}

During the late 2000s, the Chadian Air Force reportedly used its small fleet of PC-7s to bomb rebel positions both in their own territory and in neighbouring Sudan.{{Cite web|last=Wezeman|first=Pieter D.|date=August 2009|url=http://books.sipri.org/files/misc/SIPRIBP0908.pdf|title=Arms flows to the conflict in Chad|website=SIPRI.org|publisher= |access-date=9 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602110007/http://books.sipri.org/files/misc/SIPRIBP0908.pdf|archive-date=2 June 2013}} The Swiss government summoned the Chad's ambassador to request an explanation for these reports, as these actions breached the export agreements previously struck for the sale of the type to Chad.{{Cite web|url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/chad-likely-armed-swiss-made-aircraft/6370036|title=Chad likely armed Swiss-made aircraft|website=SwissInfo.ch|publisher= |date=17 January 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616202544/https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/chad-likely-armed-swiss-made-aircraft/6370036|archive-date=16 June 2019}}

• PC-7 : two-seat basic trainer aircraft, powered by PT6A-25A engine rated at {{Convert|410|kW|shp|abbr=off|lk=on}}.Air International September 1979, p. 115.
• PC-7 Mk.II M : a development of the PC-9's airframe and avionics, retaining the PC-7's wing to mount external stores. Powered by PT6A-25C of {{Convert|522|kW|shp|abbr=off}} rather than more powerful PT6A-62 of PC-9.Taylor 1999, pp. 96–97. Developed for the South African Air Force (SAAF), and known as the 'Astra'; the aircraft is a hybrid PC-7 and PC-9, either a PC-7 'Heavy' or a PC-9 'Lite', depending on point of configuration.
• NCPC-7 : upgraded version of the standard PC-7 with fully IFR glass cockpit avionics, developed for the Swiss Air Force. The designation NCPC-7 has been provisionally used in the Swiss Air Force to differentiate modernized PC-7s (NC for New Cockpit) from those which were not yet done. It was removed after the improvement of the last of the 28 aircraft in 2009. Consequently, all the Turbo-Trainer took again the designation PC-7.[https://www.vtg.admin.ch/en/einsatzmittel/luft/pc-7-turbo-trainer.html#upgrades Pilatus PC-7 Turbo-Trainer], vtg.admin.ch.
• PC-7 WE: upgraded variant of the NCPC-7 for the Swiss Air Force that includes: modification of the communication system, a TCAS (traffic collision avoidance system), ADF system extended (radiocompas), complete disassembly of the avionic and antennas to check for problems, complete disassembly and reassembly of the cables and repairs.{{Cite web |date=7 November 2024 |title=Mesures d'accompagnement anticipées pour le PC-7 Maintien de la valeur sur la bonne voie |url=https://www.ruag.ch/fr/news/07-11-24/vorgezogene-begleitmassnahmen-fur-pc-7-werterhalt-auf-kurs}}
• PC-7 MKX : an updated version of the PC-7 Mk.II, with new avionics, cockpit displays, and integration with the ground-based training system (GBTS). The GBTS includes computer and simulator technology, along with new tools such as virtual reality and mixed reality. PC-7 MKX was announced at the Dubai Airshow in November 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/en/news-events/story/pc-7-mkx|title=PC-7 MKX – The Latest Trainer From Pilatus|date=2022-03-10|access-date=2024-10-17|publisher=Pilatus}}{{cite web|title=Ground-based training technology is key to success for PC-7 MKX|first=Jon|last=Duke |date=2022-01-21|access-date=2024-10-17|url=https://skiesmag.com/news/ground-based-training-technology-key-success-pilatus-pc-7-mkx-trainer/|publisher=Skies Mag}}

File:Pilatus PC-7 operators.png

File:Pilatus PC-7 de la Fuerza Aérea Mexicana.jpg|alt=]]

File:Pilatus.pc-7.fairford2006.arp.jpg|alt=]]

File:PC-7Team4.JPG PC-7 Team|alt=]]

File:FAU 305.jpg|alt=]]

An incomplete list of the users of the PC-7:

; {{flag|Angola}}

: National Air Force of Angola: 12 PC-7 ordered in 1981, with deliveries starting in 1982, 8 others delivered in 1990. 5 aircraft lost. 16 PC-7 in service in 1994, 9 in 2003, 5 in 2016.International Institute for Strategic Studies; Hackett, James (ed.). The Military Balance 2016. London: Routledge. {{ISBN|1857435575}}.

; {{flag|Austria}}

: Austrian Air Force: 16 PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008,{{Cite web |date=3 October 2008 |title=Pilatus PC-7 (inc. list of users) |url=http://www.militaryaviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024090408/http://MilitaryAviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |archive-date=24 October 2016 |access-date=9 November 2012 |website=MilitaryAviation.eu |publisher=Military Aviation}} 13 aircraft remain in service as of December 2021.{{harvnb|Hoyle Flight International 2021|p=13}}

; {{flag|Bolivia}}

: Bolivian Air Force: 24 PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008,{{Cite web |date=3 October 2008 |title=Pilatus PC-7 (inc. list of users) |url=http://www.militaryaviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024090408/http://MilitaryAviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |archive-date=24 October 2016 |access-date=9 November 2012 |website=MilitaryAviation.eu |publisher=Military Aviation}} 2 remain in service as of December 2021.{{harvnb|Hoyle Flight International 2021|p=14}}

; {{flag|Botswana}}

: Botswana Defence Force Air Wing: seven PC-7 (delivered from 1990) aircraft in service as of October 2008,{{Cite web |date=3 October 2008 |title=Pilatus PC-7 (inc. list of users) |url=http://www.militaryaviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024090408/http://MilitaryAviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |archive-date=24 October 2016 |access-date=9 November 2012 |website=MilitaryAviation.eu |publisher=Military Aviation}} to be replaced by five PC-7 Mk.II M in 2013;{{Cite web |date=20 April 2011 |title=Botswana Defence selects PC-7 MkII turboprop trainer aircraft worth SF 40 Mil |url=http://frontierindia.net/wa/botswana-defence-selects-pc-7-mkii-turboprop-trainer-aircraft-worth-sf-40-mil/3230/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110425022145/http://FrontierIndia.net/wa/botswana-defence-selects-pc-7-mkii-turboprop-trainer-aircraft-worth-sf-40-mil/3230/ |archive-date=25 April 2011 |access-date=9 November 2012 |website=FrontierIndia.net |publisher=Frontier India}} five PC-7 Mk.II M aircraft formally accepted into service on 8 February 2013, removing six original PC-7s from service.{{Cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |date=11 February 2013 |title=Botswana introduces new PC-7 MkII trainers |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/botswana-introduces-new-pc-7-mkii-trainers-382168/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130214003208/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/botswana-introduces-new-pc-7-mkii-trainers-382168/ |archive-date=14 February 2013 |access-date=11 February 2013 |website=Flightglobal.com |publisher=Flight International, Reed Elsevier}}

; {{flag|Brunei}}

: Royal Brunei Air Force: four PC-7 Mk.II M aircraft in service as of October 2008,{{Cite web |date=3 October 2008 |title=Pilatus PC-7 (inc. list of users) |url=http://www.militaryaviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024090408/http://MilitaryAviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |archive-date=24 October 2016 |access-date=9 November 2012 |website=MilitaryAviation.eu |publisher=Military Aviation}} currently operated by No. 73 Squadron, and are also used by the RBAirF Alap-Alap Formation aerobatic display team.

; {{flag|Chad}}

: Chad Air Force: two PC-7{{Cite web |date=3 October 2008 |title=Pilatus PC-7 (inc. list of users) |url=http://www.militaryaviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024090408/http://MilitaryAviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |archive-date=24 October 2016 |access-date=9 November 2012 |website=MilitaryAviation.eu |publisher=Military Aviation}} aircraft remaining in service as of December 2021.{{harvnb|Hoyle Flight International 2021|p=15}}

; {{flag|Chile}}

: Chilean Navy: ten PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008,{{Cite web |date=3 October 2008 |title=Pilatus PC-7 (inc. list of users) |url=http://www.militaryaviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024090408/http://MilitaryAviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |archive-date=24 October 2016 |access-date=9 November 2012 |website=MilitaryAviation.eu |publisher=Military Aviation}} seven aircraft remain in service as of December 2021.{{harvnb|Hoyle Flight International 2021|p=15}}

; {{flag|France}}

: Direction générale de l'armement: six PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008.{{Cite web |date=3 October 2008 |title=Pilatus PC-7 (inc. list of users) |url=http://www.militaryaviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024090408/http://MilitaryAviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |archive-date=24 October 2016 |access-date=9 November 2012 |website=MilitaryAviation.eu |publisher=Military Aviation}}

; {{flag|Guatemala}}

: Guatemalan Air Force: 12 PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008,{{Cite web |date=3 October 2008 |title=Pilatus PC-7 (inc. list of users) |url=http://www.militaryaviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024090408/http://MilitaryAviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |archive-date=24 October 2016 |access-date=9 November 2012 |website=MilitaryAviation.eu |publisher=Military Aviation}} one aircraft remaining in service as of December 2021.{{harvnb|Hoyle Flight International 2021|p=19}}

; {{flag|India}}

: Indian Air Force: 74 PC-7 Mk.II M,{{Cite news |date=14 July 2018 |orig-date=10 November 2015 |title=IAF gets its 75th Pilatus training aircraft PC-7 MkII |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/iaf-gets-its-75th-pilatus-training-aircraft-pc-7-mkii/articleshow/49737603.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113014616/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/iaf-gets-its-75th-pilatus-training-aircraft-pc-7-mkii/articleshow/49737603.cms |archive-date=13 November 2015 |access-date=7 August 2023 |website=EconomicTimes.IndiaTimes.com |publisher=The Economic Times, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. |location=New Delhi, India}} Additional order for 38 units cancelled.{{Cite news |date=19 May 2020 |title=IAF shelves 3 major acquisition projects for Make in India, other reasons/ |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/iaf-shelves-3-major-acquisition-projects-for-make-in-india-other-reasons20200519144203/ |access-date=23 May 2020 |website=Asian News International |publisher= |location=New Delhi, India}} Orders placed for HAL HTT-40.{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=20 October 2022 |title=IAF-HAL conclude ₹6,800 crore contract for 70 HTT-40 trainer aircraft |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/iaf-hal-conclude-6800-crore-contract-for-70-htt-40-trainer-aircraft/article66037061.ece |access-date=21 October 2022 |website=The Hindu |publisher= |location=Gandhinagar, India |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}} A PC-7 was lost in a crash in December 2023.{{cite web |date=2023-12-04 |title=wo pilots killed in an Indian Air Force trainer aircraft crash in Telangana’s Medak |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/two-pilots-killed-in-an-indian-air-force-trainer-aircraft-crash-in-telanganas-medak/article67603623.ece |access-date=2023-12-05}}

; {{flag|Iran}}

: Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force: 35 PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008,{{Cite web |date=3 October 2008 |title=Pilatus PC-7 (inc. list of users) |url=http://www.militaryaviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024090408/http://MilitaryAviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |archive-date=24 October 2016 |access-date=9 November 2012 |website=MilitaryAviation.eu |publisher=Military Aviation}} 34 aircraft remain in service as of December 2021.{{harvnb|Hoyle Flight International 2021|p=21}}

; {{flag|Malaysia}}

: Royal Malaysian Air Force: 30 PC-7 Turbo Trainers out of a first order of 44 (delivered from 1983), 45 PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008;{{Cite web |date=3 October 2008 |title=Pilatus PC-7 (inc. list of users) |url=http://www.militaryaviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024090408/http://MilitaryAviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |archive-date=24 October 2016 |access-date=9 November 2012 |website=MilitaryAviation.eu |publisher=Military Aviation}} 17 PC-7 Mk.II M out of a second order of 19 (delivered in two batches, nine from 2001 and ten from 2007); total of 47 currently in service; the type is also used by the Taming Sari aerobatic display team.

; {{flag|Mexico}}

: Mexican Air Force: 88 PC-7 aircraft (first delivery May 1979) in service as of October 2008.{{Cite web |date=3 October 2008 |title=Pilatus PC-7 (inc. list of users) |url=http://www.militaryaviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024090408/http://MilitaryAviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |archive-date=24 October 2016 |access-date=9 November 2012 |website=MilitaryAviation.eu |publisher=Military Aviation}}Jackson 2003, p. 454.

; {{flag|Myanmar}}

: Myanmar Air Force: first customer of the PC-7, deliveries in early 1979, 17 PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008,{{Cite web |date=3 October 2008 |title=Pilatus PC-7 (inc. list of users) |url=http://www.militaryaviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024090408/http://MilitaryAviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |archive-date=24 October 2016 |access-date=9 November 2012 |website=MilitaryAviation.eu |publisher=Military Aviation}} 16 aircraft remain in service as of December 2021.{{harvnb|Hoyle Flight International 2021|p=25}}

; {{flag|Netherlands}}

: Royal Netherlands Air Force: 13 PC-7 (first generation) aircraft in service, that will be replaced by 8 PC-7 MKX that were selected in October 2024, and with 2 simulators.{{Cite web |last=Mukherjee |first=Upasana |date=2024-10-16 |title=Netherlands MoD selects Pilatus for eight PC-7 MkX aircraft |url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/dutch-mod-selects-pilatus/ |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=Airforce Technology |language=en-US}}

; {{flag|South Africa}}

: South African Air Force: first customer of the PC-7 Mk.II M delivered 30 November 1994, 60 PC-7 Mk.II M aircraft in service as of October 2008,{{Cite web |date=3 October 2008 |title=Pilatus PC-7 (inc. list of users) |url=http://www.militaryaviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024090408/http://MilitaryAviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |archive-date=24 October 2016 |access-date=9 November 2012 |website=MilitaryAviation.eu |publisher=Military Aviation}} the type is also used by the Silver Falcons aerobatic display team.

; {{flag|Switzerland}}

: Swiss Air Force: 40 PC-7 aircraft delivered from 1979 that remained in service as of October 2008{{Cite web |date=3 October 2008 |title=Pilatus PC-7 (inc. list of users) |url=http://www.militaryaviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024090408/http://MilitaryAviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |archive-date=24 October 2016 |access-date=9 November 2012 |website=MilitaryAviation.eu |publisher=Military Aviation}}https://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/data/document/Pilatus_Chronik_2023-EN_66d6f9c8941bf.pdf Nine have been used by the aerobatic display team PC-7 Team since 1989.

: 28 PC-7 upgraded with new cockpit in service in 2011 (standard NCPC).{{Cite web |date= |title=Pilatus NCPC-7 (PC-7 Turbo-Trainer) |url=http://www.lw.admin.ch/internet/luftwaffe/en/home/dokumentation/assets/aircraft/pc7.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222065406/http://www.lw.admin.ch/internet/luftwaffe/en/home/dokumentation/assets/aircraft/pc7.html |archive-date=22 February 2012 |access-date=9 November 2012 |website=LW.admin.ch |publisher=Swiss Air Force; Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport}} As of 2024, 27 remain in service. RUAG and Pilatus have been tasked to modernise the fleet to the standard PC-7 WE (valuation programme). The intention is to keep it in service until 2040.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-07 |title=RUAG and Pilatus partner to extend service life of Swiss Air Force’s PC-7 trainer fleet |url=https://defence-industry.eu/ruag-and-pilatus-partner-to-extend-service-life-of-swiss-air-forces-pc-7-trainer-fleet/ |access-date=2025-01-10 |language=en}}

; {{flag|United Arab Emirates}}

: United Arab Emirates Air Force: 31 PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008,{{Cite web |date=3 October 2008 |title=Pilatus PC-7 (inc. list of users) |url=http://www.militaryaviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024090408/http://MilitaryAviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |archive-date=24 October 2016 |access-date=9 November 2012 |website=MilitaryAviation.eu |publisher=Military Aviation}} 31 aircraft remain in service as of December 2021.{{harvnb|Hoyle Flight International 2021|p=32}}

; {{flag|Uruguay}}

: Uruguayan Air Force: 6 PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008,{{Cite web |date=3 October 2008 |title=Pilatus PC-7 (inc. list of users) |url=http://www.militaryaviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024090408/http://MilitaryAviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |archive-date=24 October 2016 |access-date=9 November 2012 |website=MilitaryAviation.eu |publisher=Military Aviation}} 5 aircraft remain in service as of December 2021.{{harvnb|Hoyle Flight International 2021|p=34}}

;{{flag|France}}

: French Air and Space force and French Naval Aviation: 22 PC-7 MKX ordered as primary trainer with 12 simulators developed by Exail in December 2024. It will replace the Cirrus SR20 and the Grob G120A. Pilatus won the programme "Mentor 2". Babcock France will provide the training for the French military.{{Cite web |last=Lagneau |first=Laurent |date=2025-01-10 |title=Le Pilatus PC-7 a été retenu pour assurer la formation initiale des futurs pilotes de l'armée de l'Air et de la Marine |url=https://www.opex360.com/2025/01/10/le-pilatus-pc-7-a-ete-retenu-pour-assurer-la-formation-initiale-des-futurs-pilotes-de-larmee-de-lair-et-de-la-marine/?unapproved=384043&moderation-hash=5a4bd4b04111fa9fa7ac6d0e3ea8f0aa#comment-384043 |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=Zone Militaire |language=fr-FR}}

;{{flag|Netherlands}}

: Royal Netherlands Air Force: 8 PC-7 MKX were selected in October 2024, with 2 simulators, the contract was signed in February 2025.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-02-07 |title=L'Armée de l'air Royale Néerlandaise signe pour le PC-7 MKX ! |url=https://www.avianews.ch/post/l-arm%C3%A9e-de-l-air-royale-n%C3%A9erlandaise-signe-pour-le-pc-7-mkx |access-date=2025-02-08 |website=Avia news |language=fr}}

At least seven PC-7 aircraft are in service by various unspecified civilian operators as of October 2008.{{Cite web |date=3 October 2008 |title=Pilatus PC-7 (inc. list of users) |url=http://www.militaryaviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024090408/http://MilitaryAviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |archive-date=24 October 2016 |access-date=9 November 2012 |website=MilitaryAviation.eu |publisher=Military Aviation}}

; {{flag|Bophuthatswana}}

: Bophuthatswana Air Force: two PC-7 (delivered from 1989), later transferred to South Africa Air Force{{Cite web |date=3 October 2008 |title=Pilatus PC-7 (inc. list of users) |url=http://www.militaryaviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024090408/http://MilitaryAviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |archive-date=24 October 2016 |access-date=9 November 2012 |website=MilitaryAviation.eu |publisher=Military Aviation}} and subsequently served in the Sierra Leone civil war and Chad){{Citation needed|date=May 2021}}

; {{flag|Iraq}}

: Iraq Air Force: 52 PC-7 (delivered from 1980){{Cite web |date=3 October 2008 |title=Pilatus PC-7 (inc. list of users) |url=http://www.militaryaviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024090408/http://MilitaryAviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |archive-date=24 October 2016 |access-date=9 November 2012 |website=MilitaryAviation.eu |publisher=Military Aviation}}

; {{flag|Nigeria}}

: Nigerian Air Force had two aircraft in service.

; {{flag|Suriname}}

: Suriname Air Force had two PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 1986 of three ordered (one transferred to civilian operations).{{Cite web |date=3 October 2008 |title=Pilatus PC-7 (inc. list of users) |url=http://www.militaryaviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024090408/http://MilitaryAviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |archive-date=24 October 2016 |access-date=9 November 2012 |website=MilitaryAviation.eu |publisher=Military Aviation}}

; {{flag|Switzerland}}

: Swissair

File:SilverFalcons5.jpg PC-7 Mk.II M, similar to the one that was in the South African Air Force incidents.|alt=]]

• The South African Air Force (SAAF) grounded their fleet of PC-7 Mk.II M aircraft after a crash on 15 January 2008. The aircraft went down shortly after takeoff from Overberg Air Force Base in the Western Cape Province. SAAF Lieutenant-Colonel Chris Meiring, 58, died shortly after the crash. The aircraft was flying to Langebaanweg Air Force Base for maintenance but shortly after takeoff it rolled and flew into the ground. The cause is believed{{By whom|date=May 2014}} to have been a structural problem.
• In March 2010, a pilot was killed when his Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) aircraft exploded and caught fire in midair during a solo airshow. This is the fifth accident involving Royal Malaysian Air Force PC-7 aircraft.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bharian.com.my/bharian/articles/KarnivalkonvokesyenUUMbertukartragedi/Article/|title=Nasional Karnival konvokesyen UUM bertukar tragedi|website=Bharian.com.my|publisher=Bharian|date=26 March 2010|access-date=9 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100328161509/http://www.bharian.com.my/bharian/articles/KarnivalkonvokesyenUUMbertukartragedi/Article|archive-date=28 March 2010}}
• In June 2010, two Mexican pilots were killed when their Mexican Air Force PC-7 crashed after taking off from Pie de la Cuesta, a district in the resort city of Acapulco, Mexico. The PC-7 crashed into the sea near Acapulco.{{Cite web|url=http://www.debate.com.mx/eldebate/noticias/default.asp?IdArt=10265985&IdCat=6087|title=Cae avión militar en Acapulco|language=es|website=debate.com.mx|publisher=El Debate|date=|access-date=6 May 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130703032951/http://www.debate.com.mx/eldebate/noticias/default.asp?IdArt=10265985&IdCat=6087|archive-date=3 July 2013}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=370468&CategoryId=14091|title=Two die in military plane crash in Mexico|website=LAHT.com|publisher=Latin American Herald Tribune|date= |access-date=6 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304060347/http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=370468&CategoryId=14091|archive-date=4 March 2016}}
• On 20 October 2011, two PC-7s of the Botswana Defence Force were involved in a mid-air collision over Letlhakeng {{Convert|100|km|abbr=off|lk=on}} west of Gaborone. Two of the four aircrew involved were killed in the accident.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?sid=1&aid=890&dir=2011/October/Friday21|title=Two BDF planes collide, killing two pilots|website=Mmegi.bw|publisher=Mmegi online|date=|access-date=9 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007081447/http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?sid=1&aid=890&dir=2011%2FOctober%2FFriday21|archive-date=7 October 2018}}
• On 12 September 2017, a pilot was killed when his Swiss Air Force PC-7 crashed at the Schreckhorn in Canton Bern on its way from Base aérienne Payerne to Base aérienne Locarno.{{Cite web|url=http://www.20min.ch/schweiz/news/story/Leiche-des-PC-7-Piloten-gefunden-23696323|title=PC-7 crash on Schreckhorn|website=20 Minuten|publisher= |date= |access-date=13 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913091644/http://www.20min.ch/schweiz/news/story/Leiche-des-PC-7-Piloten-gefunden-23696323|archive-date=13 September 2017|url-status=live}}
• On 4 December 2023, a PC-7 of the Indian Air Force crashed in Medak, Telangana, India. Both pilots died in the crash. The aircraft had taken off on a training flight from Hyderabad. The crash is currently under investigation.{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/two-pilots-killed-in-an-indian-air-force-trainer-aircraft-crash-in-telanganas-medak/article67603623.ece|title=wo pilots killed in an Indian Air Force trainer aircraft crash in Telangana’s Medak|date=2023-12-04|access-date=2023-12-05}}

File:Pilatus PC-7 3 vues.gif

{{Aircraft specs

|ref = Lambert 1993, pp. 359–360.

|prime units? = met

|crew = two, pilot instructor and student pilot

|capacity = two

|length m = 9.78

|span m = 10.40

|height m = 3.21

|wing area sqm= 16.60

|aspect ratio = 6.5:1

|airfoil = NACA 64₂A-415 at root, 64₁A-612 at tip

|fuel capacity= {{Convert|474|L|impgal USgal|abbr=on}} usable internal fuel,
2x {{Convert|240|L|impgal USgal|abbr=on}} external fuel drop tanks

|empty weight kg= 1330

|max takeoff weight kg= 2700

|more general =
• Max landing weight: 2,565 kg

|eng1 number= 1

|eng1 name = Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-25A

|eng1 type = turboprop

|eng1 kw = 410

|power original= (derated from {{Convert|485|kW|shp|abbr=on}})

|prop blade number=3

|prop name = Hartzell HC-B3TN-2 / T10173C-8 constant-speed propeller

|prop dia m = 2.36

|max speed kmh = 412

|max speed note = (max cruise at {{Convert|6095|m|abbr=on}})

|cruise speed kmh = 316

|cruise speed note= (econ. cruise at {{Convert|6095|m|abbr=on}})

|stall speed kmh = 119

|stall speed note = (flaps and gear down, power off)

|never exceed speed kmh= 500

|never exceed speed note= EAS

|range km = 1200

|ferry range km = 2630

|range note = standard range without external drop tanks, ferry range with external drop tanks, (cruise power, at {{Convert|5000|m|abbr=on}} - 20 min reserves)

|endurance = 4 hr 22 min

|ceiling m = 10060

|ceiling note =

|g limits = -3 / +6

|climb rate ms =

|climb rate ftmin = 2150

|climb rate note = climb to 5,000 m in 9 min 0 sec

|more performance =
take-off run 780 m at max take-off weight, landing run 505 m at max landing weight

|guns =

|bombs =

|rockets =

|missiles =

|hardpoints = 6 × underwing hardpoints for bombs and rockets

|hardpoint capacity= 1,040 kg (2,294 lb)Air International September 1979, p. 113.

|hardpoint rockets =

|hardpoint missiles=

|hardpoint bombs =

|hardpoint other =

|avionics =

}}

{{Portal|Aviation|Switzerland}}

{{Aircontent

|see also=

|related=

• Pilatus P-3
• Pilatus PC-9

|similar aircraft=

• Atlas ACE
• Beechcraft T-34 Mentor
• Embraer EMB 312 Tucano
• Grob G 120TP
• PZL-130 Orlik
• Socata TB 30 Epsilon

|lists=

}}

{{Reflist}}

• Bodansky, Yossef. "Target America & the West: Terrorism Today." SP Books, 1993. {{ISBN|1-5617-1269-8}}.
• Cordesman, Anthony H. and Abraham R. Wagner. "The Lessons of Modern War: The Iran-Iraq War." Westview Press, 1991. {{ISBN|0-8133-1330-9}}.
• {{cite book |last1=Fontanellaz |first1=Adrien |last2=Cooper |first2=Tom |last3=Matos |first3=Jose Augusto |title=War of Intervention in Angola, Volume 3: Angolan and Cuban Air Forces, 1975-1985 |date=2020 |publisher=Helion & Company Publishing |location=Warwick, UK |isbn=978-1-913118-61-7}}
• {{cite journal |last1=Genève|first1=Alain|title=50 ans d'aviation au pied Mont Pilatus (3): Les Pilatus PC-7 et PC-9|journal=Le Fana de l'Aviation |date=April 1990 |issue=245 |pages=16–19 |issn=0757-4169 |language=fr|trans-title=50 Years at the Foot of Mount Pilatus (3): The Pilatus PC-7 and PC-9}}
• {{cite news |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |title=World Air Forces 2022 |work=Flight International |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=83735 |year=2021 |access-date=12 December 2021|ref={{harvid|Hoyle Flight International 2021}}}}
• Jackson, Paul. "Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004." Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Information Group, 2003. {{ISBN|0-7106-2537-5}}.
• Lambert, Mark. "Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1993-94." Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Data Division, 1993. {{ISBN|0-7106-1066-1}}.
• Razoux, Pierre. [https://books.google.com/books?id=rp5XCwAAQBAJ "The Iran-Iraq War."] Harvard University Press, 2015. {{ISBN|0-6740-8863-8}}.
• "The Svelte Switzer ... Pilatus' Turbo Trainer". Air International, Vol. 16, No. 3, September 1979, pp. 111–118.

{{Commons category|Pilatus PC-7}}

• {{Official website|http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/#45|PC-7 Mk.II M official page}}

{{Pilatus aircraft}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Pilatus Pc-7}}

PC-07

Category:1960s Swiss military trainer aircraft

Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft

Category:Low-wing aircraft

Category:Single-engined turboprop aircraft

Category:Aircraft first flown in 1966

Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear