When Switzerland agreed to buy the Lockheed Martin F-35A, embedded in the agreement was a deal to share technology with Pilatus, producer of the PC-21 turboprop fitted with cockpit controls similar to advanced jet fighters. The turboprops give pilots in training a realistic but inexpensive way to experience the control systems they will encounter when put in front line jets like the F-35A. Pilatus announced the success of the technology transfer in a press release, explaining:
Under the terms of an offset project, Pilatus and Lockheed Martin will partner on the technology and development of avionics and training functionality for its advanced next-generation pilot training system. This will allow Pilatus to provide a bespoke pilot training solution to customers operating the F-35 and other fifth-generation frontline aircraft.
In 2022, Switzerland finalized an agreement to purchase the F-35A. The F-35 is a state-of-the-art fifth-generation military jet manufactured by the global security and aerospace company Lockheed Martin, headquartered in the United States. The Swiss government’s purchase of the F-35A is linked to a commitment by Lockheed Martin to implement offset projects in Switzerland equal to 60 percent of the contract value. These projects benefit various sectors of Swiss industry, including aerospace.
Under the offset agreement, Lockheed Martin will provide data and support to Pilatus to develop an advanced next-generation pilot training system, which will offer a training solution tailored to fifth-generation operators, and more specifically, F-35 nations.
Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus, emphasized: “We are delighted to have the support of armasuisse and Lockheed Martin. This technology transfer is a win-win situation for all three parties, and for Switzerland. Thanks to this cooperation, we can continue to supply our customers with the world’s most advanced training system.”
J.R. McDonald, Vice President of F-35 Business Development at Lockheed Martin, added: “We look forward to continuing to partner with Switzerland on the F-35A program and developing this important pilot training capability with Pilatus.”
Urs Loher, director of the Federal Office for Defence Procurement (armasuisse) underlined: “This industrial cooperation makes a significant contribution to strengthening our security-relevant technology and industry base. It promotes sustainable innovation, technological development and the competitiveness of Swiss industry, which directly benefits national security.”
The offset project received the armasuisse pre-approval early in 2024 and the agreements, including the statement of work, between Lockheed Martin and Pilatus were concluded during last summer.
PC-21 – The most efficient training system
Given the increasing operational pressure on air forces worldwide, the PC-21 offers a cost-effective, highly efficient and sustainable platform for training military pilots. The state-of-the-art equipment and features of the PC-21 are designed to meet the demanding training requirements of the future. The innovative training system design ensures that the PC-21 turboprop trainer provides advanced training covering a wide range of mission types previously reserved exclusively for jet trainers.
System integration is at the heart of the PC-21 cockpit philosophy. Through a powerful embedded training system and with displays and control systems configured to match those of the latest generation of military jet aircraft, the student pilots become familiar with a realistic frontline cockpit environment right from the early phases of training, enabling them to make an efficient transition to the frontline aircraft.
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