Air Platforms
FIDAE 2018: Chilean Navy to upgrade PC-7s
Jose Higuera, Santiago - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
06 April 2018
The Chilean Navy is set to put some of its Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainers through a service life extension program (SLEP) with upgrades aimed at keeping those aircraft operational well into the 2030s, senior military sources told Jane’s .
After studying replacement options that included the possibility of acquiring new training aircraft, a decision was made in favour of extending the service of the PC-7s due to cost effectiveness, sources said at the FIDAE air show.
Chile’s Air Naval Command has used the PC-7 since 1978, when it received aircraft ordered in late 1976. The type has proven satisfactory and seven aircraft remain serviceable after 40 years of operation.
Fotografía de Cees-Jan van der Ende.