A contract will be awarded to Pilatus for eight PC-7 Mk X aircraft plus two simulators to replace the current fleet of 13 PC-7 trainers used for Elementaire Militaire Vlieger Opleiding (EMVO, Elementary Military Pilot Training) by 131 (EMVO) Squadron at Woensdrecht. The final selection process narrowed the choice to two suppliers. The losing bidder has reportedly filed a summary proceeding against the Ministry of Defence, meaning that a judge’s ruling will be required before the contract with Pilatus can be signed.

The new Mk.X is an improved and modernised version of the Pilatus PC-7 Mk.II. Based on the latter’s type certificate, Pilatus engineers made various upgrades to the design and some systems to ensure the success of this aircraft in providing basic training for young military pilots for years to come.

Photo Rob Vogelaar.