Airbus Military Polska signed a contract with the Technical Institute of Aviation Military Forces (ITWL) of Poland to further upgrade the Orlik TC II aircraft by developing and equipping the aircraft with a glass cockpit. The Orlik is a tandem two-seat basic and advanced trainer aircraft. This upgrade will greatly reduce the pilot’s workload and improve the safety and efficiency of flight operations and position the Orlik to for the international market place.

The contract was signed on the 6th of September at the 19th International Defense Industry Fair in Kielce, Poland. The signing of the contract took place in the presence of Marcin Idzik, Undersecretary of State in the Defense Industry.The glass cockpit development will take place in Airbus Military Polska’ (formerly EADS PZL Warszawa Okecie) premises in Warsaw and will draw on the Polish technical expertise that exists in this area.

The Orlik TCII Glass Cockpit version is scheduled to be developed and certified in the second half of 2013.

The Orlik TC I had its maiden flight in 1989, produced at the time by PZL “Warszawa-Okęcie”. The Orlik TC II, a redesign of the TC I with improved wing, engine and avionics, produced by Airbus Military Polska (formerly EADS PZL Warszawa Okecie) first flew in 2010. Currently, 28 Orlik aircraft are in service with the Polish Air Force.

Source and photo: EADS