For the next decades the Pilatus PC-7 MkII will be the backbone of basic pilot training for Indian Air force.Offering a reliable and econom...
For the next decades the Pilatus PC-7 MkII will be the backbone of basic pilot training for Indian Air force.Offering a reliable and economic training platform, the docile behavior of the PC-7 MkII in the hands of a beginner delivers a confidence-building environment for inexperienced cadets.Indian Air Force has entered into a contract in excess of 500 Million Swiss Francs to procure a fleet of 75 PC-7 MkII turboprop aircraft, together with an integrated ground based training system and a comprehensive logistics support package.With its highly cost-efficient Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-25C engine, it provides the lowest engine operating costs of all turboprop trainer aircraft.
Performance
The PC-7 MkII is a training aircraft powered by a 700 shp Pratt & Whitney PT6A-25C turboprop engine with a Hartzell four-blade aluminium propeller. The de-rating of the engine from 850shp ensures low direct operating costs and a long engine life. The performance of the PC-7 MkII is docile enough for a beginner, but with sufficient power for more demanding basic phases.
The aircraft utilises conventional systems that are reliable, easy to operate and maintain. Access to the engine and systems is excellent. A hot section inspection can be carried out without engine removal, keeping maintenance and overhaul costs to a minimum.PC-7 MkII would start joining Air Force from early 2013The PC-7 MkII performs as follows under international standard atmospheric (ISA) conditions:
| Take-off distance over 50 ft (15 m) obstacle at sea level | 1,360 ft | 415 m |
| Landing distance over 50 ft (15 m) obstacle at sea level | 2,180 ft | 665 m |
| Max. rate of climb, sea level | 2,910 ft/min | 14.79 m/sec |
| Max. operating speed (Vmo) | 300 KEAS | 556 km/h |
| Max. horizontal cruise speed at sea level (Vh) | 242 KTAS | 448 km/h |
| Max. horizontal cruise speed at 10,000 ft (Vh) | 255 KTAS | 472 km/h |
| Stall speed - flaps and gear up (Vs) - flaps and gear down (VSO so) | 75 KCAS 68 KCAS | 139 km/h 126 km/h |
| G loads - Max. positive - Max. negative | aerobatic configuration 7.0 g - 3.5 g | utility category 4.5 g -2.25 g |
| Max. range | 810 nm | 1,500 km |
Weights
| Basic empty weight (dep. on configuration) | 3,771 lb | 1,710 kg |
| Max. take-off weight, acrobatic configuration | 4,960 lb | 2,250 kg |
| Fuselage length | 33 ft 4 in | 10.18 m |
| Wing span | 33 ft 5 in | 10.19 m |
