Pilatus PC-7
Pilatus Aircraft · Switzerland · first flew 1966 · light aircraft
The Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer is a Swiss single-engine turboprop two-seat trainer that became one of the most successful military trainer aircraft of the late 20th century, operated by more than 20 air forces worldwide. It offers jet-like performance while remaining economical to operate.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turboprop, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 10.13 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Swiss single-engine turboprop trainer with tandem cockpit under a large bubble canopy
- Low-wing monoplane with retractable undercarriage and a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engine
- Distinctive swept fin and T-tail — actually conventional tail; widely used by air forces worldwide
A neat low-wing tandem-seat trainer with a large bubble canopy, a PT6A turboprop in a rounded nose cowling, retractable tricycle undercarriage, and a swept vertical tail with a conventional tailplane.
Specifications
- The Pilatus PC-7 has a length of 10.13 m (33 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.4 m (34 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 412 km/h (256 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Based on the earlier piston-engine PC-3/PC-6 lineage, the PC-7 was redesigned around the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop and first flew in 1966, entering production in 1978. Its success led Pilatus to develop the more powerful PC-9 and PC-21 as part of a complete turboprop trainer family.
Variants
The PC-7 Mk.II is an updated version with a more powerful engine and revised systems adopted by several customers; the PC-9 is a higher-performance derivative for advanced training.
Where you'll see it
In service with air forces of Switzerland, Mexico, Malaysia, Bolivia, UAE, Myanmar, and many others; also used by civilian aerobatic display teams.
Related aircraft
- Pilatus PC-8D Twin Porter
- Pilatus PC-6/B2-H2 Turbo-Porter
- Pilatus B4
- Pilatus PC-6 Porter
- BA-4B
- Beechcraft Duke
- Beechcraft Queen Air B80
- Cessna 177 Cardinal
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.