Profile: Pilatus PC-21

The Pilatus PC-21 aircraft is one of the RAAF’s most iconic training jets. It is often referred to as the “21st century trainer” because it can be applied to more training capacities than its competitors. It is part of the AIR 5428 Pilot Training System project – which will deliver upgrades to RAAF based facilities – and will replace the Force’s current PC-9/A aircraft, which were displayed for the last time in 2019 after 30 years of service. 

While it was seen as the “end of an era”, the PC-21 was much anticipated due to its significant power boost, namely seen as an aircraft with superior aerodynamic performance compared to any other trainer in the market. It makes sense that so many air forces across the world, especially Saudi Arabia who bought 55 of them, are replacing their trainer aircraft with the PC-21.