France has officially selected the Pilatus PC-7 MKX to serve as its new training system for the French Air and Space Force. This decision comes as part of a strategic initiative to modernize and enhance pilot training capabilities within the military. The order encompasses a total of 22 aircraft, accompanied by ground-based training systems that have been developed in collaboration with French industry partners.
In addition to the aircraft, Pilatus will supply a comprehensive suite of simulators, computer-based training modules, mission planning tools, and debriefing equipment. The new fleet is intended for basic military pilot training, with the first deliveries anticipated in 2027.
The integration of the PC-7 MKX will complement the existing training regime of the French Air and Space Force, which has employed the Pilatus PC-21 for advanced training since 2018. The current fleet includes 26 PC-21 aircraft, procured in two phases. With the introduction of the PC-7 MKX specifically for fundamental training, French military aviators will effectively utilize Pilatus aircraft across all phases of their pilot training curriculum.
The PC-7 MKX showcases a state-of-the-art cockpit design centered around the Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics suite, coupled with an advanced head-up display. This intuitive avionics system is engineered to create an optimal training environment from the initial stages of pilot education. The aircraft boasts impressive specifications, including a maximum speed of 555 kilometers (or 154 miles) per hour, a wingspan of 10.46 meters (34.3 feet), a length of 10.26 meters (33.7 feet), and a height of 3.26 meters (10.7 feet).
Safety is a critical aspect of the PC-7 MKX, which comes equipped with Martin-Baker ejection seats designed to enhance pilot security during emergencies. This feature underscores Pilatus’s commitment to providing high-quality training aircraft that prioritize both performance and safety for military pilots.
