RSAF selects PC-21 to replace S-211 - MINDEF

sbst275 SG

http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2006/Nov/03nov06_nr2.html

Manager433 SG

Lousy trainer.

LRRP SG

A turbo prop? Isnt this a step back wards?

spartan6 SG

Damn i was hoping for e M-311 Mad

spencer99 SG

Isn't this open secret already?

SpecOps87 SG

Same! But why would they want a turboprop and not a jet.Damn I would love to see the M-311 do the tail-slide again.

duotiga83 SG

my prediction comes true Mr. Green AJT aircraft...my next prediction T-50 Golden eagle PC-21 is the best among the turboprop trainer Very Happy

duotiga83 SG

high cost of mainatiain thea/c if we are the only customer for it....

tankee1981 SG

There is this fighter version of the T-50 which the South Koreans plan to replace their F-5Es with. Its jointly developed between South Korea and Lockheed Martin so it may be worth considering getting both the T-50 and the fighter version to replace our F-5S/Ts. I understand that these planes will be cheaper as compared to the latest fighters so can be bought in a larger quantity and also be used for patrol duties. Very Happy

spartan6 SG

E light combat aircraft version is called A-50

Shotgun SG

Ha, it caused a bit of confusion at first. A-50 happens to be the designation for the Russian AEW ac.

I like the A-50. Haha, mainly cos the HUD symbology, radar operations are identical to the viper's. =D Easy to understand.

spartan6 SG

Yap e Mainstay is also called A-50 Confused

sgFish SG

Probably cuz turboprops are easier and cheaper to maintain compared to jets...though personally I prefer the M-311 too Mr. Green

duotiga83 SG

M-311 the maintainence cost will be very high if we are the only customer supporting this aircraft....

insouciant SG

Turboprops are usually the preferred choice for the basic course as they are easier to fly (supposedly) versus jets due to their ability to fly at a slower speed.

We were one of teh few countries that used a jet for basic with S211.

lyzzard SG

The PC-21 is quite unlike any turboprop trainer made in the past. With its swept back wings, strengthened fuselage and much more powerful engine, it is capable of maneuvering at close to jet speeds. Its performance exceeds the S-211 in many aspects and will give some of the other basic jet trainers a run for their money. Avionics wise, it is equipped with an open architecture which can accept upgrades easily as they become available. It costs considerably less to operate than a jet and overall, I think the RSAF made a good decision regarding the purchase of this capable trainer. Pilatus has a long history of making great aircraft and the PC-21 would be no different.

lionnoisy SG

from US magazibe

2.acoording to ASIAN DEFENCE AND DIPLOMATIC dec 2006,
Lockeed Martin will provide no more than 7000 hours of flying
time and 2000 hours of simulation training hours in the contract.