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{{Short description|Trainer aircraft family by Pilatus}}
{{Short description|Trainer aircraft family by Pilatus of Switzerland}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout, and guidelines. -->
<!--This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout, and guidelines.-->
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
{{Infobox aircraft
|name = PC-7
|name= PC-7
|image = Swiss Air Force Pilatus PC-7 (cropped).jpg
|image= File:Swiss Air Force Pilatus PC-7 (cropped).jpg
|caption =[[PC-7 Team]] of the [[Swiss Air Force]]
|caption= [[PC-7 Team]] of the [[Swiss Air Force]]
|type= [[Trainer aircraft]]
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
|type = Light [[trainer aircraft]]
|manufacturer= [[Pilatus Aircraft]]
|designer=
|manufacturer = [[Pilatus Aircraft]]
|first_flight= '''PC-7''':<br>{{Start date and age|1966|04|12|df=y}} (prototype)<ref name=MilitaryAviation.eu/><br>{{Start date and age|1978|08|18|df=y}} (production)<ref name=MilitaryAviation.eu/><br>'''PC-7 Mk.II M''':<br>{{Start date and age|1992|09|28|df=y}}<ref name=MilitaryAviation.eu/>
|designer =
|introduction = '''PC-7''': [[1978 in aviation|1978]]<ref name=MilitaryAviation.eu/><br>'''PC-7 Mk.II M''': [[1994 in aviation|1994]]<ref name=MilitaryAviation.eu/><br>'''PC-7 MKX''': 2021
|first flight = 12 April 1966 (prototype) <br/>18 August 1978 (production)
|retired=
|introduced = 1978
|status= In service
|retired =
|primary_user= [[Mexican Air Force]]<!--Largest user; list only one user; for military aircraft, this is a nation or a service arm. Please DON'T add flag templates, as they limit horizontal space.-->
|status = In service, in production
|primary user = [[Indian Air Force]]<!-- List only one user; for military aircraft, this is a nation or a service arm. Please DON'T add flag templates, as they limit horizontal space. -->
|more_users= [[Indian Air Force]]<br>[[South African Air Force]]<br>[[Royal Malaysian Air Force]]<!--Limited to THREE (3) "more users" here (4 total users). List users with {{plainlist}} or {{unbulleted list}}.-->
|produced= 1966–present
|more users = [[Mexican Air Force]]<br/>[[South African Air Force]] <br/>[[Royal Malaysian Air Force]]<!-- Limited to THREE (3) "more users" here (4 total users). List users with {{plainlist}} or {{unbulleted list}}. -->
|number_built= >618
|produced = 1966–present
|developed_from= [[Pilatus P-3]]
|number built = >618
|variants= [[Pilatus PC-9]]
|unit cost =
|developed from = [[Pilatus P-3]]
|variants with their own articles = [[Pilatus PC-9]]
}}
}}
|}


The '''Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer''' is a low-wing tandem-seat training aircraft designed and manufactured by [[Pilatus Aircraft]] of [[Switzerland]]. The aircraft is capable of all basic training functions including [[aerobatics]], [[instrument flight rules|instrument]], tactical and night flying.
The '''Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer''' is a low-wing [[Tandem#Aviation|tandem]]-seat [[Trainer aircraft|training aircraft]], designed and manufactured in [[Switzerland]] by [[Pilatus Aircraft]]. The aircraft is capable of all basic training functions, including [[aerobatics]], [[Instrument flight rules|instrument]], tactical, and [[Night fighter|night flying]].<ref name=MilitaryAviation.eu/>


The PC-7 was developed from the preceding [[Pilatus P-3]], largely differing by the adoption of a [[turboprop]] engine, a [[bubble canopy]], and a new one-piece wing. Introduced during the 1970s, it has since developed a sizable presence of the global trainer market.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/training-bridging-the-gap-134081/ "Training - Bridging the gap."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616225801/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/training-bridging-the-gap-134081/ |date=16 June 2019 }} ''Flight International'', 10 July 2001.</ref> The type has been adopted by in excess of 20 [[air force]]s as their [[ab initio]] trainer, as well as multiple civilian operators. Over one million hours have reportedly been flown by PC-7s worldwide.{{CN|date=June 2019}} In addition to training operations, some aircraft are armed and have been used for combat missions by several customers, including [[Chad]], [[Iran]], and [[Mexico]], often in violation of the relevant [[export]] agreement between the customer and the Swiss government.
The PC-7 was developed from the preceding [[Reciprocating engine|piston]]-powered [[Pilatus P-3]],<ref name=MilitaryAviation.eu>{{Cite web|url=http://www.militaryaviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm|title=Pilatus PC-7 (inc. list of users)|website=MilitaryAviation.eu|publisher=Military Aviation|date=3 October 2008|access-date=9 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024090408/http://MilitaryAviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm|archive-date=24 October 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> largely differing by the adoption of a [[turboprop]] engine, a [[bubble canopy]], and a new one-piece [[wing]]. Introduced during the 1970s, it has since developed a sizable presence of the global trainer market.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/training-bridging-the-gap-134081/|title=Training - Bridging the gap|website=Flightglobal.com|publisher=[[Flight International]]|date=10 July 2001|access-date= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616225801/https://www.Flightglobal.com/news/articles/training-bridging-the-gap-134081/|archive-date=16 June 2019}}</ref> The type has been adopted by in excess of twenty [[air force]]s as their [[ab initio]] trainer, as well as multiple civilian operators. Over one million hours have reportedly been flown by PC-7s worldwide.{{Citation needed|date=June 2019}} In addition to training operations, some aircraft are armed and have been used for [[combat]] missions by several customers, including [[Chad]], [[Iran]], and [[Mexico]], often in violation of the relevant [[export]] agreement between the customer and the [[Swiss government]].


An improved model of the aircraft, the ''PC-7 Mk II'', was developed during the 1990s by combining the newer [[Pilatus PC-9|PC-9]]'s [[fuselage|airframe]] and [[avionics]] with the PC-7's smaller turbine engine. Reportedly, in excess of 500{{Update inline|reason=Infobox says 618; source for either number?|date=May 2019}} PC-7s have been sold to various operators, the majority of which still being in service. In Pilatus' line-up, the PC-7 has been succeeded by the newer PC-9 and [[Pilatus PC-21|PC-21]] trainers.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/elementary-training-role-for-pc-21-134689/ "Elementary training role for PC-21?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616225803/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/elementary-training-role-for-pc-21-134689/ |date=16 June 2019 }} ''Flight International'', 14 August 2001.</ref>
An improved model of the aircraft, the '''PC-7 Mk.II&nbsp;M''', was developed during the 1990s, by combining the newer [[Fuselage|airframe]] and [[avionics]] from the [[Pilatus PC-9|PC-9]] with the PC-7's smaller turbine engine. Reportedly, in excess of 600{{Update inline|reason=Infobox says 618; source for either number?|date=May 2019}} PC-7s have been sold to various operators, the majority of which are in service. In Pilatus' range of aircraft, the PC-7 has been succeeded by the newer [[Pilatus_PC-9|PC-9]] and [[Pilatus PC-21|PC-21]] trainers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/elementary-training-role-for-pc-21-134689/|title=Elementary training role for PC-21?|website=Flightglobal.com|publisher=[[Flight International]]|date=14 August 2001|access-date= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616225803/https://www.Flightglobal.com/news/articles/elementary-training-role-for-pc-21-134689/|archive-date=16 June 2019}}</ref>


==Development==
==Development==
===Origins===
===Origins===
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 Canada PT6|Pratt & Whitney PT6A-20]] [[turboprop]] powerplant.<ref name = "forecast 99"/> On 12 April 1966, the modified prototype performed its [[maiden flight]]. However, the PC-7 programme was abruptly shelved following an accident involving the aircraft.<ref name="svelte p112">''Air International'' September 1979, p. 112.</ref> The termination of work was reportedly driven by a lack of market interest.<ref name = "forecast 99">[https://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/disp_old_pdf.cfm?ARC_ID=1030 "Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer."] ''Forecast International'', September 1999.</ref>
Work on what would become the PC-7 commenced during the 1960s. It was based on the earlier [[Reciprocating engine|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 Canada PT6|Pratt & Whitney PT6A-20]] [[turboprop]] power-plant.<ref name=MilitaryAviation.eu/><ref name=Forecast99/> On {{Start date and age|1966|04|12|df=y}}, the modified prototype performed its [[maiden flight]].<ref name=MilitaryAviation.eu/> However, the PC-7 programme was abruptly shelved following an accident involving the aircraft.<ref name="svelte p112">''Air International'' September 1979, p. 112.</ref> The termination of work was reportedly driven by a lack of market interest.<ref name=Forecast99>{{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}}</ref>


[[File:Pilatus PC-7, Private JP6001892.jpg|thumb|left|A PC-7]]
[[File:Pilatus PC-7, Private JP6001892.jpg|thumb|left|A Swiss-registered PC-7, fitted with additional {{Convert|240|L|abbr=on|lk=on}} fuel [[drop tank]]s 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-34_Mentor#T-34C_Turbo-Mentor|Beechcraft T-34C Turbo-Mentor]], and the increasing age of existing trainer aircraft.<ref name = "forecast 99"/> To support the relaunch, another P-3 was obtained from the [[Swiss Air Force]]. After modifications, this aircraft first flew on 12 May 1975. Further extensive modifications followed later in the programme, including the adoption of a new one-piece wing complete with [[wet wing|integral fuel tank]]s, along with an altered [[Vertical stabilizer|tailfin]] and a [[bubble canopy]].{{CN|date=June 2019}} The flight test programme came to a close during Autumn 1977.<ref name = "forecast 99"/>
During [[1973 in aviation|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-34 Mentor#T-34C Turbo-Mentor|Beechcraft T-34C Turbo-Mentor]], and the increasing age of existing trainer aircraft.<ref name=Forecast99/> 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 [[Wet wing|integral fuel tanks]], along with an altered [[Vertical stabilizer|tail fin]] and a [[bubble canopy]].{{Citation needed|date=June 2019}} The flight test programme came to a close during Autumn 1977.<ref name=Forecast99/>


On 12 August 1978, the first production aircraft made its first flight. On 5 December of that year, Switzerland's [[Federal Office of Civil Aviation]] (FOCA) issued [[Airworthiness certificate|civil certification]] for the PC-7;<ref name = "forecast 99"/> immediately thereafter, initial deliveries of production aircraft commenced to customers [[Burma]] and [[Bolivia]].<ref name="Svelte p114">''Air International'' September 1979, p. 114.</ref> Over time, sales of the PC-7 generated considerable profits, allowing the company to finance the development of further types of aircraft.<ref>Wastnage, Justin. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pilatus-ponders-additions-to-civilian-aircraft-offer-143653/ "Pilatus ponders additions to civilian aircraft offering."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616225802/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pilatus-ponders-additions-to-civilian-aircraft-offer-143653/ |date=16 June 2019 }} ''Flight International'', 26 February 2002.</ref>
On {{Start date and age|1978|08|18|df=y}}, the first production aircraft made its first flight.<ref name=MilitaryAviation.eu/> On 5 December of that year, Switzerland's [[Federal Office of Civil Aviation]] (FOCA) issued [[Airworthiness certificate|civil certification]] for the PC-7;<ref name=Forecast99/> immediately thereafter, initial deliveries of production aircraft commenced to customers [[Burma]] and [[Bolivia]].<ref name="Svelte p114">''Air International'' September 1979, p. 114.</ref> Over time, sales of the PC-7 generated considerable profits, allowing the company to finance the development of further types of aircraft.<ref>{{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}}</ref>


===Further development===
===Further development===
The ''PC-7 Mk II'' is a development of the [[Pilatus PC-9|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.{{CN|date=June 2019}} This variant was developed at the behest of the [[South African Air Force]] (SAAF), who later adopted the type.<ref>Wastnage, Justin. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/peace-dividend-147001/ "Peace dividend."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616225800/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/peace-dividend-147001/ |date=16 June 2019 }} ''Flight International'', 30 April 2002.</ref> A batch of 60 PC-7 MK IIs 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 [[hardpoint]]s. Deliveries to the SAAF took place between late 1994 and 1996.<ref name = "forecast 99"/>
The '''PC-7 Mk.II&nbsp;M''' is a development of the [[Pilatus PC-9|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> A batch of 60 PC-7 Mk.II&nbsp;Ms were locally assembled in [[South Africa]] using [[Knock-down kit|kits]] supplied by Pilatus for the SAAF; due to political considerations, these aircraft were not fitted with the armament [[hardpoint]]s. Deliveries to the SAAF took place between late [[1994 in aviation|1994]] and [[1996 in aviation|1996]].<ref name=Forecast99/>


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, [[Israel]] I 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.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/radom-offers-pc-9-upgrade-for-training-and-combat-45347/ "Radom offers PC-9 upgrade for training and combat."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616225800/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/radom-offers-pc-9-upgrade-for-training-and-combat-45347/ |date=16 June 2019 }} ''Flight International'', 25 November 1998.</ref>
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, [[Israel]]i 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>


During July 1998, Pilatus announced that it has come to an agreement with [[United States|America]]n company [[Western Aircraft]] for the latter to act as a [[Wholesaling|distributor]] for the PC-7 across the [[North America]]n civil aviation market.<ref name = "western 1998"/> 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 $2 million respectively. It was recognised that this market was limited, Western Aircraft expected to sell only a few aircraft per year.<ref name = "western 1998">[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pilatus-appoints-western-to-market-pc-7-trainer-39757/ "Pilatus appoints Western to market PC-7 trainer."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616222757/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pilatus-appoints-western-to-market-pc-7-trainer-39757/ |date=16 June 2019 }} ''Flight International'', 22 July 1998.</ref>
During July [[1998 in aviation|1998]], Pilatus announced that it has come to an agreement with [[United States|American]] company [[Western Aircraft]], for the latter to act as a [[Wholesaling|distributor]] for the PC-7 across the [[North America]]n civil aviation market.<ref name=Western1998/> At this time, there were already five civil-registered PC-7s in operation in North America; Pilatus believed that the region could be a viable market for both remanufactured and newly built examples of the type, which would be priced between [[United States dollar|$]]1&nbsp;million and $2&nbsp;million respectively. It was recognised that this market was limited, Western Aircraft expected to sell only a few aircraft per year.<ref name=Western1998>{{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}}</ref>


==Operational history==
==Operational history==
===General use===
===General use===
All [[export]] sales of the PC-7 are subject to [[background check|approval]] by the Swiss Government, whose authorisation is required prior to any delivery taking place.<ref name ="fli98 mexrestrict"/> 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 lead to the loss of several potential sales, such as to [[South Korea]] and [[Mexico]].<ref name ="fli98 mexrestrict"/>
All [[export]] sales of the PC-7 are subject to [[Background check|approval]] by the [[Swiss Government]], whose authorisation is required prior to any delivery taking place.<ref name="fli98 mexrestrict"/> 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]].<ref name="fli98 mexrestrict"/>
[[File:Pilatus PC7-1050 - Flickr - Ragnhild & Neil Crawford.jpg|thumb|A PC-7 in-flight, 2012.|alt=]]


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]].<ref name=Forecast99/> Amongst its uses in the civilian sector has been [[Aerobatics|aerobatic display]]s.<ref name=Forecast99/>
[[File:Pilatus PC7-1050 - Flickr - Ragnhild & Neil Crawford.jpg|thumb|A PC-7 in-flight, 2012]]
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 FOCA and the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] (FAA) as compliant with regulations pertaining to [[general aviation]] operations in both [[Europe]] and the [[United States]].<ref name = "forecast 99"/> Amongst its uses in the civilian sector has been [[aerobatics|aerobatic display]]s.<ref name = "forecast 99"/>


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


During June 2011, the [[Indian Air Force]] (IAF) selected the PC-7 MkII 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 MkIIs; the service had a total requirement of 181 trainers.<ref name="Pilatus">Pilatus Press Release. [http://www.livefistdefence.com/2012/05/india-signs-deal-with-pilatus-for-75-pc.html "India Selects Pilatus Basic Trainer."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150302232008/http://www.livefistdefence.com/2012/05/india-signs-deal-with-pilatus-for-75-pc.html |date=2 March 2015 }} ''LiveFistDefence.com'', 24 May 2012. Retrieved: 19 June 2011.</ref> 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.<ref>Chopra, Anil. [https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/Stuck-at-the-basics-of-aircraft-design/article20673247.ece "Stuck at the basics of aircraft design."] ''Hindu Business Line'', 7 October 2013.</ref> 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.<ref>Raghuvanshi, Vivek. [https://www.defensenews.com/training-sim/2017/07/20/swiss-firm-not-extending-maintenance-deal-for-indias-pc-7-trainers/ "Swiss Firm not expanding maintenance deal for India's PC-7 trainers."] ''defensenews.com'', 20 July 2017.</ref> During 2018, India announced that it had chosen to exercise the option of buying a batch of 38 trainers.<ref>{{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 |publisher=India Times |access-date=14 July 2018 |newspaper=The Economic Times |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 }}</ref>
During June [[2011 in aviation|2011]], the [[Indian Air Force]] (IAF) selected the PC-7 Mk.II&nbsp;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&nbsp;Ms; the Indian military had a total requirement of 181 trainers.<ref name="Pilatus">{{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}}</ref> 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|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.<ref>{{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= }}</ref> The procurement of an additional 106 trainers under the 'Make & Buy' (Indian) category was repeatedly deferred. In [[2017 in aviation|2017]], the maintenance agreement with Pilatus lapsed, resulting in the IAF becoming solely responsible for performing these activities.<ref>{{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= }}</ref> During [[2018 in aviation|2018]], India announced that it had chosen to exercise the option of buying a batch of 38 trainers.<ref>{{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}}</ref>


===Combat use===
===Combat use===
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 International Airport|La Aurora]], being armed with a mixture of [[gun pod]]s and [[Rocket_launcher#Rocket_pod|rocket pod]]s.<ref>{{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 |publisher=ACIG.org |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 }}</ref>
A number of PC-7s were employed by the [[Guatemalan Air Force]] in [[air strike]]s and for [[close air support]] (CAS) during the [[Guatemalan civil war]], starting in [[1982 in aviation|1982]], until the end of the conflict in [[1996 in aviation|1996]]. The PC-7s were typically deployed from the [[airfield]] in [[La Aurora International Airport|La Aurora]], being armed with a mixture of [[gun pod]]s and [[Rocket launcher#Rocket pod|rocket pods]].<ref>{{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}}</ref>


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 attack]]s against [[United States Navy]] vessels present in the [[Persian Gulf]].<ref>Razoux 2015, pp. 421–422.</ref> Iran reportedly trained a number of suicide pilots and flew some operational missions, training was performed at [[Bushehr Airport|Bushehr Air Base]] in Iran and overseas in [[North Korea]].<ref>Bodansky 1993, p. 14.</ref><ref>Cordesman and Wagner 1991, p. 285.</ref> In early 1984, an Iranian attack helicopter [[Bell AH-1 SuperCobra|AH-1J Sea Cobra]] was shot down by an Iraqi PC-7 during Operation Khyber (Iranian pilots Reza Moghadam and Mohammad Yazdi were rescued).<ref>[http://www.skywar.ru/IRIAF8088.html Потери ВВС Ирана (Losses of IRIAF (in russian))]</ref>
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 attack]]s against [[United States Navy]] (USN) vessels present in the [[Persian Gulf]].<ref>Razoux 2015, pp. 421–422.</ref> Iran reportedly trained a number of suicide pilots and flew some operational missions, training was performed at [[Bushehr Airport|Bushehr Air Base]] in Iran and overseas in [[North Korea]].<ref>Bodansky 1993, p. 14.</ref><ref>Cordesman and Wagner 1991, p. 285.</ref> In early [[1984 in aviation|1984]], an Iranian attack helicopter [[Bell AH-1 SuperCobra|AH-1J Sea Cobra]] was shot down by an Iraqi PC-7 during Operation Khyber (Iranian pilots Reza Moghadam and Mohammad Yazdi were rescued).<ref>{{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= }}</ref>


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 airplanes were sold for training purposes only, and as result, Switzerland issued a ban on the sale of additional units to Mexico.<ref>Aranda, Jesús. [http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2009/11/13/index.php?section=politica&article=017n1pol "Ahora que la FAM pretende renovar su flota no puede adquirir aviones Pilatus C-9" (in Spanish).] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100219130338/http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2009/11/13/index.php?section=politica&article=017n1pol |date=19 February 2010 }} ''La Jornada.'' 13 November 2009. Retrieved: 9 November 2012.</ref> 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.<ref name="fli98 mexrestrict">[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/government-veto-blocks-pc-9-sale-to-mexico-27920/ "Government veto blocks PC-9 sale to Mexico."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616220109/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/government-veto-blocks-pc-9-sale-to-mexico-27920/ |date=16 June 2019 }} ''[[Flight International]]'', 8 February 1998.</ref>
In [[1994 in aviation|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref name="fli98 mexrestrict">{{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}}</ref>


During the mid to late 1990s, [[Executive Outcomes]], a [[private military company|private military contractor]] (PMC) 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]].<ref>Barlow, Eeben. [http://www.galago.co.za/CAT1_025.htm "Executive Outcomes: Against all Odds."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071229125418/http://www.galago.co.za/CAT1_025.htm |date=29 December 2007}} ''galago.co.'' Retrieved: 9 November 2012.</ref><ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/gunships-for-hire-12048/ "Gunships for hire."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616215330/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/gunships-for-hire-12048/ |date=16 June 2019 }} ''Flight International'', 21 August 1996.</ref>
During the mid to late 1990s, [[Executive Outcomes]], a [[Private military company|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]].<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>


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]].<ref>Wezeman, Pieter D. [http://books.sipri.org/files/misc/SIPRIBP0908.pdf "Arms flows to the conflict in Chad."] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602110007/http://books.sipri.org/files/misc/SIPRIBP0908.pdf |date=2 June 2013}} ''sipri.org,'' August 2009. Retrieved: 9 November 2012.</ref> 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.<ref>[https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/chad-likely-armed-swiss-made-aircraft/6370036 "Chad likely armed Swiss-made aircraft."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616202544/https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/chad-likely-armed-swiss-made-aircraft/6370036 |date=16 June 2019 }} ''swissinfo.ch'', 17 January 2008.</ref>
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]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> The Swiss government summoned the [[Chad|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>


==Variants==
==Variants==
* '''PC-7''' : two-seat basic trainer aircraft, powered by PT6A-25A engine rated at 410&nbsp;kW (550&nbsp;shp).<ref name="Svelte p115">''Air International'' September 1979, p. 115.</ref>
*'''PC-7''' : two-seat basic trainer aircraft, powered by PT6A-25A engine rated at {{Convert|410|kW|shp|abbr=off|lk=on}}.<ref name="Svelte p115">''Air International'' September 1979, p. 115.</ref>
* '''PC-7 Mk II''' is 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 522&nbsp;kW (700&nbsp;shp) rather than more powerful PT6A-62 of PC-9.<ref name="Brasseys 99 p96-7">Taylor 1999, pp. 96–97.</ref> 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.<ref>[http://www.militaryaviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm "Pilatus PC-7."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224204525/http://www.militaryaviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |date=24 December 2007 }} ''militaryaviation.eu.'' Retrieved: 9 November 2012.</ref>
*'''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.<ref name="Brasseys 99 p96-7">Taylor 1999, pp. 96–97.</ref> 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.<ref name=MilitaryAviation.eu/>
* '''NCPC-7''' : upgraded version of the standard PC-7 with fully [[Instrument flight rules|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.<ref>[https://www.vtg.admin.ch/en/einsatzmittel/luft/pc-7-turbo-trainer.html#upgrades Pilatus PC-7 Turbo-Trainer], vtg.admin.ch.</ref>
* '''NCPC-7''' : upgraded version of the standard PC-7 with fully [[Instrument flight rules|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.<ref>[https://www.vtg.admin.ch/en/einsatzmittel/luft/pc-7-turbo-trainer.html#upgrades Pilatus PC-7 Turbo-Trainer], vtg.admin.ch.</ref>
*'''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 like [[Virtual Reality]] and [[Mixed Reality]]. PC-7 MKX was announced at the Dubai Airshow in November 2021.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>


==Operators==
==Operators==
[[File:Pilatus PC-7 operators.png|thumb|400px|right|Main countries in which the Swiss Pilatus PC-7 aircraft operates in the world.]]
[[File:Pilatus PC-7 operators.png|thumb|400px|right|Main countries in which the Swiss Pilatus PC-7 aircraft operates in the world.]]
===Military operators===
===Military operators===
[[File:pilatus.pc-7.fairford2006.arp.jpg|thumb|right|Pilatus PC-7 of the [[Royal Netherlands Air Force]]]]
[[File:Pilatus PC-7 de la Fuerza Aérea Mexicana.jpg|thumb|Pilatus PC-7 of the [[Mexican Air Force]]|alt=]]
[[File:PC-7Team4.JPG|thumb|right|Pilatus NCPC-7 of the Swiss Air Force [[PC-7 Team]]]]
[[File:Pilatus.pc-7.fairford2006.arp.jpg|thumb|right|Pilatus PC-7 of the [[Royal Netherlands Air Force]]|alt=]]
[[File:PC-7Team4.JPG|thumb|right|Pilatus NCPC-7 of the [[Swiss Air Force]] [[PC-7 Team]]|alt=]]
[[File:FAU 305.jpg|thumb|Pilatus PC-7U of the [[Uruguayan Air Force]]|alt=]]
An incomplete list of the users of the PC-7:<ref name=MilitaryAviation.eu/>


; {{flag|Angola}}
An incomplete list of the users of the PC-7:<ref>[http://www.militaryaviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm "Pilatus PC-7 list of users."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224204525/http://www.militaryaviation.eu/trainer/Pilatus/PC-7.htm |date=24 December 2007 }} ''militaryaviation.eu.'' Retrieved: 9 November 2012.</ref>
: [[National Air Force of Angola]]: 12 PC-7 ordered in 1981, with deliveries starting in 1982, 25 total aircraft by October 2008.<ref name="MilitaryAviation.eu2">{{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}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Fontanellaz|Cooper|Matos|2020|p=26}}</ref>
;{{AGO}}
* [[National Air Force of Angola]]: 12 ordered in 1981, with deliveries starting in 1982<ref>{{harvnb|Fontanellaz|Cooper|Matos|2020|p=26}}</ref>
;{{AUT}}:
* [[Austrian Air Force]]: 13 aircraft remaining in service as of December 2021<ref>{{harvnb|Hoyle ''Flight International'' 2021| p=13}}</ref>
;{{BOL}}:
* [[Bolivian Air Force]]: 24 aircraft delivered. 2 remain in service as of December 2021<ref>{{harvnb|Hoyle ''Flight International'' 2021| p=14}}</ref>
;{{BWA}}
* [[Botswana Defence Force Air Wing]]: seven (delivered from 1990) to be replaced by five PC-7 Mk 2s in 2013.<ref>[http://frontierindia.net/wa/botswana-defence-selects-pc-7-mkii-turboprop-trainer-aircraft-worth-sf-40-mil/3230/ "Botswana Defence selects PC-7 MkII turboprop trainer aircraft worth SF 40 Mil."] {{webarchive|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/ |date=25 April 2011 }} ''frontierindia.net.'' Retrieved: 9 November 2012.</ref> Five PC-7 Mk II aircraft formally accepted into service on February 8, 2013, removing six PC-7s from service.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/botswana-introduces-new-pc-7-mkii-trainers-382168/ Botswana introduces new PC-7 MkII trainers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130214003208/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/botswana-introduces-new-pc-7-mkii-trainers-382168/ |date=14 February 2013 }} - Flightglobal.com, February 11, 2013</ref>
;{{BRN}}:
* [[Royal Brunei Air Force]]: has four (PC-7 Mk 2). The type is also used by the ''[[Alap-Alap Formation]]'' [[aerobatic]] display team.
;{{CHA}}:
* [[Chad Air Force]]: two aircraft remaining in service as of December 2021<ref>{{harvnb|Hoyle ''Flight International'' 2021| p=15}}</ref>
;{{CHI}}
* [[Chilean Navy]]: seven aircraft remain in service as of December 2021<ref>{{harvnb|Hoyle ''Flight International'' 2021| p=15}}</ref>
;{{FRA}}
* [[Direction générale de l'armement]]: 6 aircraft delivered
;{{GTM}}
* [[Guatemalan Air Force]]: one aircraft remaining in service as of December 2021<ref>{{harvnb|Hoyle ''Flight International'' 2021| p=19}}</ref>
;{{IND}}
* [[Indian Air Force]]: 78<ref>{{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|access-date=14 July 2018|newspaper=The Economic Times|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}}</ref> India has decided to shelve ordering 38 more <ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/iaf-shelves-3-major-acquisition-projects-for-make-in-india-other-reasons20200519144203/|title=IAF shelves 3 major acquisition projects for Make in India, other reasons/|access-date=23 May 2020|newspaper=ANI|date=19 May 2020}}</ref> and placed orders for [[HAL HTT-40]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2022-10-20 |title=IAF-HAL conclude ₹6,800 crore contract for 70 HTT-40 trainer aircraft |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/iaf-hal-conclude-6800-crore-contract-for-70-htt-40-trainer-aircraft/article66037061.ece |access-date=2022-10-21 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
;{{IRN}}
* [[Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force]]: 34 aircraft remain in service as of December 2021<ref>{{harvnb|Hoyle ''Flight International'' 2021| p=21}}</ref>
;{{MYS}}
* [[Royal Malaysian Air Force]]: 30 PC-7 Turbo Trainers out of a first order of 44 (delivered from 1983), 17 PC-7 Mk IIs 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.
;{{MEX}}
* [[Mexican Air Force]]: 88 (first delivery May 1979)<ref name="JAWA03 p454">Jackson 2003, p. 454.</ref>[[File:Pilatus PC-7 de la Fuerza Aérea Mexicana.jpg|thumb|Pilatus PC-7 of the Mexican Air Force.]]


;{{MYA}}
; {{flag|Austria}}
* [[Myanmar Air Force]]: first deliveries in 1979. 16 aircraft in service as of December 2021<ref>{{harvnb|Hoyle ''Flight International'' 2021| p=25}}</ref>
: [[Austrian Air Force]]: 16 PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008,<ref name="MilitaryAviation.eu3">{{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}}</ref> 13 aircraft remain in service as of December 2021.<ref>{{harvnb|Hoyle ''Flight International'' 2021|p=13}}</ref>
;{{NLD}}
* [[Royal Netherlands Air Force]]: 13 aircraft in service as of December 2021<ref>{{harvnb|Hoyle ''Flight International'' 2021| p=25}}</ref>
;{{RSA}}
* [[South African Air Force]]: 60 (PC-7 Mk 2s). The type is also used by the ''[[Silver Falcons]]'' [[aerobatic]] display team.
;{{SUI}}
* [[Swiss Air Force]]: 40 (delivered from 1979), 28 PC-7 upgraded with new cockpit in service in 2011.<ref>[http://www.lw.admin.ch/internet/luftwaffe/en/home/dokumentation/assets/aircraft/pc7.html "Pilatus NCPC-7."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222065406/http://www.lw.admin.ch/internet/luftwaffe/en/home/dokumentation/assets/aircraft/pc7.html |date=22 February 2012 }} ''Swiss Air Force''. Retrieved: 9 November 2012.</ref> The type is also used by the ''[[PC-7 Team]]'' [[aerobatic]] display team.
;{{UAE}}
* [[United Arab Emirates Air Force]]: 31 aircraft in service as of December 2021<ref>{{harvnb|Hoyle ''Flight International'' 2021| p=32}}</ref>
; {{URY}}
* [[Uruguayan Air Force]]: 5 aircraft in service as of December 2021<ref>{{harvnb|Hoyle ''Flight International'' 2021| p=34}}</ref>


; {{flag|Bolivia}}
===Former military operators===
: [[Bolivian Air Force]]: 24 PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008,<ref name="MilitaryAviation.eu4">{{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}}</ref> 2 remain in service as of December 2021.<ref>{{harvnb|Hoyle ''Flight International'' 2021|p=14}}</ref>
; [[File:Flag of Bophuthatswana.svg|22px]] [[Bophuthatswana]]:
* [[Bophuthatswana Air Force]]
: Three (delivered from 1989, later transferred to [[South Africa]] and subsequently served in the [[Sierra Leone]] civil war and Chad){{cn|date=May 2021}}
;{{flag|Iraq|1991}}
* [[Iraq Air Force]]: 52 (delivered from 1980){{cn|date=March 2017}}
;{{NGA}}
* [[Nigerian Air Force]] had two aircraft in service.


; {{flag|Botswana}}
===Former civil operators===
: [[Botswana Defence Force Air Wing]]: seven PC-7 (delivered from 1990) aircraft in service as of October 2008,<ref name="MilitaryAviation.eu5">{{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}}</ref> to be replaced by five PC-7 Mk.II&nbsp;M in 2013;<ref>{{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}}</ref> five PC-7 Mk.II&nbsp;M aircraft formally accepted into service on 8 February 2013, removing six original PC-7s from service.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
;{{flag|Switzerland}}
* [[Swissair]]


; {{flag|Brunei}}
==Accidents and incidents==
: [[Royal Brunei Air Force]]: four PC-7 Mk.II&nbsp;M aircraft in service as of October 2008,<ref name="MilitaryAviation.eu6">{{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}}</ref> currently operated by No. 73 Squadron, and are also used by the RBAirF [[Alap-Alap Formation]] [[aerobatic]] display team.
The South African Air Force ([[South African Air Force|SAAF]]) grounded their fleet of PC-7 MkIIs after a crash on 15 January 2008. The aircraft went down shortly after takeoff from [[AFB Overberg|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 [[AFB Langebaanweg|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.


; {{flag|Chad}}
[[File:SilverFalcons5.jpg|thumb|A [[Silver Falcons]] PC-7 Mk II, similar to the one that was in the South African Air Force incidents.]]
: [[Chad Air Force]]: two PC-7<ref name="MilitaryAviation.eu7">{{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}}</ref> aircraft remaining in service as of December 2021.<ref>{{harvnb|Hoyle ''Flight International'' 2021|p=15}}</ref>


; {{flag|Chile}}
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.<ref>[http://www.bharian.com.my/bharian/articles/KarnivalkonvokesyenUUMbertukartragedi/Article/ "Nasional Karnival konvokesyen UUM bertukar tragedi."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100328161509/http://www.bharian.com.my/bharian/articles/KarnivalkonvokesyenUUMbertukartragedi/Article |date=28 March 2010 }} ''bharian.com,'' 26 March 2010. Retrieved: 9 November 2012.</ref>
: [[Chilean Navy]]: ten PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008,<ref name="MilitaryAviation.eu8">{{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}}</ref> seven aircraft remain in service as of December 2021.<ref>{{harvnb|Hoyle ''Flight International'' 2021|p=15}}</ref>


; {{flag|France}}
In June 2010, two Mexican pilots were killed when their 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.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130703032951/http://www.debate.com.mx/eldebate/noticias/default.asp?IdArt=10265985&IdCat=6087 "Cae avión militar en Acapulco" (in Spanish).] ''El Debate''. Retrieved: 6 May 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=370468&CategoryId=14091 "Two Die in Military Plane Crash in Mexico."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304060347/http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=370468&CategoryId=14091 |date=4 March 2016 }} ''Latin American Herald Tribune''. Retrieved: 6 May 2013.</ref>
: [[Direction générale de l'armement]]: six PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008.<ref name="MilitaryAviation.eu9">{{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}}</ref>


; {{flag|Guatemala}}
On 20 October 2011, two PC-7s of the Botswana Defence Force were involved in a midair collision over Letlhakeng 100&nbsp;km west of Gaborone. Two of the four aircrew involved were killed in the accident.<ref>[http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?sid=1&aid=890&dir=2011/October/Friday21 "Two BDF planes collide, killing two pilots."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007081447/http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?sid=1&aid=890&dir=2011%2FOctober%2FFriday21 |date=7 October 2018 }} ''Mmegi online.'' Retrieved: 9 November 2012.</ref>
: [[Guatemalan Air Force]]: 12 PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008,<ref name="MilitaryAviation.eu10">{{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}}</ref> one aircraft remaining in service as of December 2021.<ref>{{harvnb|Hoyle ''Flight International'' 2021|p=19}}</ref>


; {{flag|India}}
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 Payerne AFB to Locarno AFB.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.20min.ch/schweiz/news/story/Leiche-des-PC-7-Piloten-gefunden-23696323 |title=PC-7 crash on Schreckhorn |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 }}</ref>
: [[Indian Air Force]]: 74-77 PC-7 Mk.II&nbsp;M,<ref>{{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}}</ref> India has cancelled ordering 38 more<ref>{{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=ANInews.in |publisher=ANI - [[Asian News International]] |location=[[New Delhi]], India}}</ref> and placed orders for [[HAL HTT-40]].<ref>{{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=TheHindu.com |publisher=[[The Hindu]], THG Publishing Pvt Ltd. |location=[[Gandhinagar]], India |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> One was lost in a crash in December 2023.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

; {{flag|Iran}}
: [[Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force]]: 35 PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008,<ref name="MilitaryAviation.eu11">{{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}}</ref> 34 aircraft remain in service as of December 2021.<ref>{{harvnb|Hoyle ''Flight International'' 2021|p=21}}</ref>

; {{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;<ref name="MilitaryAviation.eu12">{{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}}</ref> 17 PC-7 Mk.II&nbsp;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.<ref name="MilitaryAviation.eu13">{{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}}</ref><ref name="JAWA03 p4542">Jackson 2003, p. 454.</ref>

; {{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,<ref name="MilitaryAviation.eu14">{{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}}</ref> 16 aircraft remain in service as of December 2021.<ref>{{harvnb|Hoyle ''Flight International'' 2021|p=25}}</ref>

; {{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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

; {{flag|South Africa}}
: [[South African Air Force]]: first customer of the PC-7 Mk.II&nbsp;M delivered 30 November 1994, 60 PC-7 Mk.II&nbsp;M aircraft in service as of October 2008,<ref name="MilitaryAviation.eu15">{{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}}</ref> the type is also used by the [[Silver Falcons]] [[aerobatic]] display team.

; {{flag|Switzerland}}
: [[Swiss Air Force]]: 40 (delivered from 1979) PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008,<ref name="MilitaryAviation.eu16">{{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}}</ref> 28 PC-7 upgraded with new cockpit in service in 2011;<ref name="LW.admin.ch2">{{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}}</ref> the type is also used by their [[aerobatic]] display team [[PC-7 Team]].

; {{flag|United Arab Emirates}}
: [[United Arab Emirates Air Force]]: 31 PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008,<ref name="MilitaryAviation.eu17">{{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}}</ref> 31 aircraft remain in service as of December 2021.<ref>{{harvnb|Hoyle ''Flight International'' 2021|p=32}}</ref>

; {{flag|Uruguay}}
: [[Uruguayan Air Force]]: 6 PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008,<ref name="MilitaryAviation.eu18">{{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}}</ref> 5 aircraft remain in service as of December 2021.<ref>{{harvnb|Hoyle ''Flight International'' 2021|p=34}}</ref>

===Civilian operators===
At least seven PC-7 aircraft are in service by various unspecified civilian operators as of October 2008.<ref name="MilitaryAviation.eu19">{{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}}</ref>

=== Former military operators ===

; {{flag|Bophuthatswana}}
: [[Bophuthatswana Air Force]]: two PC-7 (delivered from 1989), later transferred to [[South Africa Air Force]]<ref name="MilitaryAviation.eu20">{{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}}</ref> 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)<ref name="MilitaryAviation.eu21">{{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}}</ref>

; {{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 2008 (one transferred to civilian operations).<ref name="MilitaryAviation.eu22">{{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}}</ref>

=== Former civil operators ===

; {{flag|Switzerland}}
: [[Swissair]]

==Accidents and incidents==
[[File:SilverFalcons5.jpg|thumb|A [[Silver Falcons]] PC-7 Mk.II&nbsp;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&nbsp;M aircraft after a crash on 15 January 2008. The aircraft went down shortly after takeoff from [[AFB Overberg|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 [[AFB Langebaanweg|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
*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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>
*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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
*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 [[Payerne Air Base|Base aérienne Payerne]] to [[Locarno Airport|Base aérienne Locarno]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.20min.ch/schweiz/news/story/Leiche-des-PC-7-Piloten-gefunden-23696323|title=PC-7 crash on Schreckhorn|website=20min.ch|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}}</ref>
*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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>


==Specifications (PC-7 Turbo Trainer)==
==Specifications (PC-7)==
[[File:Pilatus PC-7 3 vues.gif|thumb|Pilatus PC-7]]
[[File:Pilatus PC-7 3 vues.gif|thumb|Pilatus PC-7|alt=]]
{{Aircraft specs
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=<ref name="Janes 93 p359-60">Lambert 1993, pp. 359–360.</ref>
|ref = <ref name=MilitaryAviation.eu/><ref name="Janes 93 p359-60">Lambert 1993, pp. 359–360.</ref>
|prime units?= met
|prime units? = met
|crew = two, student and instructor
|crew = two, pilot instructor and student pilot
|capacity =
|capacity = two
|length m = 9.78
|length m = 9.78
|span m = 10.40
|span m = 10.40
|height m = 3.21
|height m = 3.21
|wing area sqm = 16.60
|wing area sqm= 16.60
|aspect ratio = 6.5:1
|aspect ratio = 6.5:1
|airfoil = NACA 64<sub>2</sub>A-415 at root, 64<sub>1</sub>A-612 at tip
|airfoil = NACA 64<sub>2</sub>A-415 at root, 64<sub>1</sub>A-612 at tip
|fuel capacity={{convert|474|L|impgal USgal|abbr=on}} usable internal fuel
|fuel capacity= {{Convert|474|L|impgal USgal|abbr=on}} usable internal fuel,<br>2x {{Convert|240|L|impgal USgal|abbr=on}} external fuel [[drop tank]]s
|empty weight kg = 1330
|empty weight kg= 1330
|max takeoff weight kg = 2700
|max takeoff weight kg= 2700
|more general =
|more general =<br>'''• Max landing weight:''' 2,565 kg
<!--Powerplant-->
<!--Powerplant-->
|eng1 number = 1
|eng1 number= 1
|eng1 name = [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A]]-25A
|eng1 name = [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A]]-25A
|eng1 type = [[turboprop]]
|eng1 type = [[turboprop]]
|eng1 shp = 550
|eng1 kw = 410
|power original = (derated from {{convert|650|shp|kW|order=flip|abbr=on}})
|power original= (derated from {{Convert|485|kW|shp|abbr=on}})
|prop blade number=3<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop blade number=3<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop name = Hartzell HC-B3TN-2/T10173C-8 [[constant-speed propeller]]
|prop name = Hartzell HC-B3TN-2 / T10173C-8 [[constant-speed propeller]]
|prop dia m = 2.36
|prop dia m = 2.36
<!--Performance-->
<!--Performance-->
|max speed kmh = 412
|max speed kmh = 412
|max speed note = (max cruise at {{convert|6100|m|ft|abbr=on}})
|max speed note = (max cruise at {{Convert|6095|m|abbr=on}})
|cruise speed kmh = 171
|cruise speed kmh = 316
|cruise speed note = (econ. cruise at {{convert|6100|m|ft|abbr=on}})
|cruise speed note= (econ. cruise at {{Convert|6095|m|abbr=on}})
|stall speed kmh = 119
|stall speed kmh = 119
|stall speed note = (flaps and gear down, power off)
|stall speed note = (flaps and gear down, power off)
|never exceed speed kmh = 500
|never exceed speed kmh= 500
|never exceed speed note= [[Equivalent airspeed|EAS]]
|never exceed speed note= [[Equivalent airspeed|EAS]]
|range km = 2630
|range km = 1200
|ferry range km = 2630
|range note = (cruise power, at {{convert|5000|m|ft|abbr=on}} - 20 min reserves)
|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 = 3 hr 45 min
|endurance = 4 hr 22 min
|ceiling ft = 33000
|ceiling note =
|ceiling m = 10060
|climb rate ms =
|ceiling note =
|g limits = -3 / +6
|climb rate ms =
|climb rate ftmin = 2150
|climb rate ftmin = 2150
|climb rate note =
|climb rate note = climb to 5,000 m in 9 min 0 sec
|more performance =
|more performance =<br>take-off run 780 m at max take-off weight, landing run 505 m at max landing weight
<!--Armament-->
<!--Armament-->
|guns =
|guns =
|bombs =
|bombs =
|rockets =
|rockets =
|missiles =
|missiles =
|hardpoints = 6 × hardpoints for bombs and rockets
|hardpoints = 6 × underwing hardpoints for bombs and rockets
|hardpoint capacity = 1,040 kg (2,294 lb)<ref name="Svelte p113">''Air International'' September 1979, p. 113.</ref>
|hardpoint capacity= 1,040 kg (2,294 lb)<ref name="Svelte p113">''Air International'' September 1979, p. 113.</ref>
|hardpoint rockets =
|hardpoint rockets =
|hardpoint missiles =
|hardpoint missiles=
|hardpoint bombs =
|hardpoint bombs =
|hardpoint other =
|hardpoint other =
|avionics =
|avionics =
}}
}}


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Switzerland|Aviation}}
{{Portal|Aviation|Switzerland}}
{{Aircontent
{{Aircontent
|see also=
|see also=
* [[Alap-Alap Formation]]
|related=
|related=
* [[Pilatus P-3]]
* [[Pilatus P-3]]
Line 234: Line 257:
* Jackson, Paul. "Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004." Coulsdon, UK: ''Jane's Information Group'', 2003. {{ISBN|0-7106-2537-5}}.
* 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}}.
* 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.co.uk/books?id=rp5XCwAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover "The Iran-Iraq War."] ''Harvard University Press'', 2015. {{ISBN|0-6740-8863-8}}.
* 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.&nbsp;111–118.
* "The Svelte Switzer ... Pilatus' Turbo Trainer". ''[[Air International]],'' Vol. 16, No. 3, September 1979, pp.&nbsp;111–118.


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Pilatus PC-7}}
{{Commons category|Pilatus PC-7}}
* {{official website|http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/#45|PC-7 MkII official page}}
*{{Official website|http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/#45|PC-7 Mk.II M official page}}


{{Pilatus aircraft}}
{{Pilatus aircraft}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Pilatus Pc-7}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pilatus Pc-7}}
Line 250: Line 274:
[[Category:Single-engined turboprop aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined turboprop aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1966]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1966]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]

Revision as of 22:54, 10 November 2024

PC-7
PC-7 Team of the Swiss Air Force
General information
TypeTrainer aircraft
ManufacturerPilatus Aircraft
StatusIn service
Primary usersMexican Air Force
Number built>618
History
Manufactured1966–present
Introduction datePC-7: 1978[1]
PC-7 Mk.II M: 1994[1]
PC-7 MKX: 2021
First flightPC-7:
12 April 1966; 58 years ago (1966-04-12) (prototype)[1]
18 August 1978; 46 years ago (1978-08-18) (production)[1]
PC-7 Mk.II M:
28 September 1992; 32 years ago (1992-09-28)[1]
Developed fromPilatus P-3
VariantsPilatus PC-9

The Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer is a low-wing tandem-seat training aircraft, designed and manufactured in Switzerland by Pilatus Aircraft. The aircraft is capable of all basic training functions, including aerobatics, instrument, tactical, and night flying.[1]

The PC-7 was developed from the preceding piston-powered Pilatus P-3,[1] largely differing by the adoption of a turboprop engine, a bubble canopy, and a new one-piece wing. Introduced during the 1970s, it has since developed a sizable presence of the global trainer market.[2] The type has been adopted by in excess of twenty air forces as their ab initio trainer, as well as multiple civilian operators. Over one million hours have reportedly been flown by PC-7s worldwide.[citation needed] In addition to training operations, some aircraft are armed and have been used for combat missions by several customers, including Chad, Iran, and Mexico, often in violation of the relevant export agreement between the customer and the Swiss government.

An improved model of the aircraft, the PC-7 Mk.II M, was developed during the 1990s, by combining the newer airframe and avionics from the PC-9 with the PC-7's smaller turbine engine. Reportedly, in excess of 600[needs update] PC-7s have been sold to various operators, the majority of which are in service. In Pilatus' range of aircraft, the PC-7 has been succeeded by the newer PC-9 and PC-21 trainers.[3]

Development

Origins

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.[1][4] On 12 April 1966; 58 years ago (1966-04-12), the modified prototype performed its maiden flight.[1] However, the PC-7 programme was abruptly shelved following an accident involving the aircraft.[5] The termination of work was reportedly driven by a lack of market interest.[4]

A Swiss-registered PC-7, fitted with additional 240 L (53 imp gal; 63 US gal) fuel drop tanks under each wing, 1987.

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.[4] To support the relaunch, another P-3 was obtained from the Swiss Air Force. After modifications, this aircraft first flew on 12 May 1975; 49 years ago (1975-05-12). 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] The flight test programme came to a close during Autumn 1977.[4]

On 18 August 1978; 46 years ago (1978-08-18), the first production aircraft made its first flight.[1] On 5 December of that year, Switzerland's Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) issued civil certification for the PC-7;[4] immediately thereafter, initial deliveries of production aircraft commenced to customers Burma and Bolivia.[6] Over time, sales of the PC-7 generated considerable profits, allowing the company to finance the development of further types of aircraft.[7]

Further development

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] This variant was developed at the behest of the South African Air Force (SAAF), who later adopted the type.[8] 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.[4]

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.[9]

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.[10] 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.[10]

Operational history

General use

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.[11] 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.[11]

A PC-7 in-flight, 2012.

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.[4] Amongst its uses in the civilian sector has been aerobatic displays.[4]

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.[12][13]

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.[14] 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.[15] 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.[16] During 2018, India announced that it had chosen to exercise the option of buying a batch of 38 trainers.[17]

Combat use

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.[18]

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.[19] 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.[20][21] 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).[22]

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.[23] 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.[11]

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.[24][25]

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.[26] 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.[27]

Variants

  • PC-7 : two-seat basic trainer aircraft, powered by PT6A-25A engine rated at 410 kilowatts (550 shaft horsepower).[28]
  • 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 522 kilowatts (700 shaft horsepower) rather than more powerful PT6A-62 of PC-9.[29] 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.[1]
  • 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.[30]
  • 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 like Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality. PC-7 MKX was announced at the Dubai Airshow in November 2021.[31][32]

Operators

Main countries in which the Swiss Pilatus PC-7 aircraft operates in the world.

Military operators

Pilatus PC-7 of the Mexican Air Force
Pilatus PC-7 of the Royal Netherlands Air Force
Pilatus NCPC-7 of the Swiss Air Force PC-7 Team
Pilatus PC-7U of the Uruguayan Air Force

An incomplete list of the users of the PC-7:[1]

 Angola
National Air Force of Angola: 12 PC-7 ordered in 1981, with deliveries starting in 1982, 25 total aircraft by October 2008.[33][34]
 Austria
Austrian Air Force: 16 PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008,[35] 13 aircraft remain in service as of December 2021.[36]
 Bolivia
Bolivian Air Force: 24 PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008,[37] 2 remain in service as of December 2021.[38]
 Botswana
Botswana Defence Force Air Wing: seven PC-7 (delivered from 1990) aircraft in service as of October 2008,[39] to be replaced by five PC-7 Mk.II M in 2013;[40] five PC-7 Mk.II M aircraft formally accepted into service on 8 February 2013, removing six original PC-7s from service.[41]
 Brunei
Royal Brunei Air Force: four PC-7 Mk.II M aircraft in service as of October 2008,[42] currently operated by No. 73 Squadron, and are also used by the RBAirF Alap-Alap Formation aerobatic display team.
 Chad
Chad Air Force: two PC-7[43] aircraft remaining in service as of December 2021.[44]
 Chile
Chilean Navy: ten PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008,[45] seven aircraft remain in service as of December 2021.[46]
 France
Direction générale de l'armement: six PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008.[47]
 Guatemala
Guatemalan Air Force: 12 PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008,[48] one aircraft remaining in service as of December 2021.[49]
 India
Indian Air Force: 74-77 PC-7 Mk.II M,[50] India has cancelled ordering 38 more[51] and placed orders for HAL HTT-40.[52] One was lost in a crash in December 2023.[53]
 Iran
Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force: 35 PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008,[54] 34 aircraft remain in service as of December 2021.[55]
 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;[56] 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.
 Mexico
Mexican Air Force: 88 PC-7 aircraft (first delivery May 1979) in service as of October 2008.[57][58]
 Myanmar
Myanmar Air Force: first customer of the PC-7, deliveries in early 1979, 17 PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008,[59] 16 aircraft remain in service as of December 2021.[60]
 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.[61]
 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,[62] the type is also used by the Silver Falcons aerobatic display team.
  Switzerland
Swiss Air Force: 40 (delivered from 1979) PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008,[63] 28 PC-7 upgraded with new cockpit in service in 2011;[64] the type is also used by their aerobatic display team PC-7 Team.
 United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates Air Force: 31 PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008,[65] 31 aircraft remain in service as of December 2021.[66]
 Uruguay
Uruguayan Air Force: 6 PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008,[67] 5 aircraft remain in service as of December 2021.[68]

Civilian operators

At least seven PC-7 aircraft are in service by various unspecified civilian operators as of October 2008.[69]

Former military operators

 Bophuthatswana
Bophuthatswana Air Force: two PC-7 (delivered from 1989), later transferred to South Africa Air Force[70] and subsequently served in the Sierra Leone civil war and Chad)[citation needed]
 Iraq
Iraq Air Force: 52 PC-7 (delivered from 1980)[71]
 Nigeria
Nigerian Air Force had two aircraft in service.
 Suriname
Suriname Air Force had two PC-7 aircraft in service as of October 2008 (one transferred to civilian operations).[72]

Former civil operators

  Switzerland
Swissair

Accidents and incidents

A Silver Falcons PC-7 Mk.II M, similar to the one that was in the South African Air Force incidents.
  • 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?] 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.[73]
  • 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.[74][75]
  • On 20 October 2011, two PC-7s of the Botswana Defence Force were involved in a mid-air collision over Letlhakeng 100 kilometres (62 miles) west of Gaborone. Two of the four aircrew involved were killed in the accident.[76]
  • 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.[77]
  • 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.[78]

Specifications (PC-7)

Pilatus PC-7

Data from [1][79]

General characteristics

  • Crew: two, pilot instructor and student pilot
  • Capacity: two
  • Length: 9.78 m (32 ft 1 in)
  • Wingspan: 10.40 m (34 ft 1 in)
  • Height: 3.21 m (10 ft 6 in)
  • Wing area: 16.60 m2 (178.7 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 6.5:1
  • Airfoil: NACA 642A-415 at root, 641A-612 at tip
  • Empty weight: 1,330 kg (2,932 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 2,700 kg (5,952 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 474 L (104 imp gal; 125 US gal) usable internal fuel,
    2x 240 L (53 imp gal; 63 US gal) external fuel drop tanks
    • Max landing weight: 2,565 kg
  • Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-25A turboprop, 410 kW (550 hp)(derated from 485 kW (650 shp))
  • Propellers: 3-bladed Hartzell HC-B3TN-2 / T10173C-8 constant-speed propeller, 2.36 m (7 ft 9 in) diameter

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 412 km/h (256 mph, 222 kn) (max cruise at 6,095 m (19,997 ft))
  • Cruise speed: 316 km/h (196 mph, 171 kn) (econ. cruise at 6,095 m (19,997 ft))
  • Stall speed: 119 km/h (74 mph, 64 kn) (flaps and gear down, power off)
  • Never exceed speed: 500 km/h (310 mph, 270 kn) EAS
  • Range: 1,200 km (750 mi, 650 nmi) standard range without external drop tanks, ferry range with external drop tanks, (cruise power, at 5,000 m (16,000 ft) - 20 min reserves)
  • Ferry range: 2,630 km (1,630 mi, 1,420 nmi)
  • Endurance: 4 hr 22 min
  • Service ceiling: 10,060 m (33,010 ft)
  • g limits: -3 / +6
  • Rate of climb: 10.9 m/s (2,150 ft/min) climb to 5,000 m in 9 min 0 sec
    take-off run 780 m at max take-off weight, landing run 505 m at max landing weight

Armament

  • Hardpoints: 6 × underwing hardpoints for bombs and rockets with a capacity of 1,040 kg (2,294 lb)[80]

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

Citations

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