Pilatus PC-7 MKX

History

The Pilatus PC-7 MKX is a Swiss single-engined turboprop aircraft developed for basic military pilot training. It is the latest generation of the PC-7 trainer family and combines the established PC-7 airframe concept with a modern cockpit and integrated ground-based training systems.

Pilatus publicly announced development of the PC-7 MKX in November 2021. An earlier prototype is reported to have flown in August 2019. The first production aircraft for launch customer the Netherlands made its first flight from Pilatus' Stans site on 7 September 2026.

The Netherlands ordered eight aircraft to replace its older PC-7 trainers, while France and Belgium subsequently selected the type for their own training programs. Deliveries to the Netherlands are scheduled to begin in 2027.

Development

The PC-7 family originated from the Pilatus P-3 and developed through the original PC-7 Turbo Trainer and the later PC-7 Mk II. A PC-7 family overview describes the basic PC-7 as a low-wing, tandem-seat trainer developed and manufactured in Switzerland.

According to a detailed history of the PC-7 generations, development of the third-generation PC-7 MKX began before its public announcement. The source reports that a prototype flew in August 2019 and that Pilatus announced the new variant at the Dubai Airshow in November 2021.

The Netherlands announced its selection of the aircraft in October 2024, and Pilatus received the Dutch contract in February 2025. The order covers eight aircraft together with ground-based training equipment. France later selected 22 aircraft, while Belgium approved acquisition of 18 aircraft.

Flight testing and production

On 7 September 2026, Pilatus flew the lead production PC-7 MKX for the Netherlands from its Stans facility. The aircraft is intended to receive the Dutch registration L-001 and is the first of eight aircraft ordered for the Royal Netherlands Air Force.

Dutch deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027. The Netherlands expects all eight aircraft and the associated ground-based training devices to be delivered by September 2027.

Design

The PC-7 MKX is a single-engined turboprop basic trainer with a tandem cockpit. It retains the general configuration of the PC-7 Mk II while incorporating updated avionics and aerodynamic changes intended for a modern military training environment.

Airframe

The aircraft retains an all-metal airframe. The PC-7 MKX configuration adds winglets at the wingtips. Pilatus has retained metal construction for the trainer rather than changing to a primarily composite structure.

Cockpit and avionics

Each cockpit position is equipped with three large multifunction displays. The display arrangement is intended to familiarize students with information presentation similar to that found in modern combat aircraft. The cockpit is also fitted with Martin-Baker ejection seats.

Powerplant

The PC-7 MKX is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-series turboprop engine. The available sources do not provide a sufficiently precise engine subvariant or performance figures for the production PC-7 MKX.

Training system

Pilatus offers the aircraft together with a Ground Based Training System. The training concept includes simulators and computer-based systems and can incorporate augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality technologies.

Program status

The Netherlands is the launch customer for the production PC-7 MKX. Its eight aircraft are intended for elementary military pilot training and will replace an older fleet of baseline PC-7 trainers. The Dutch acquisition also includes ground-based training equipment.

France selected 22 PC-7 MKX aircraft under its Mentor 2 training program. The aircraft are intended to replace Cirrus SR20 and Grob 120A trainers. Belgium later approved acquisition of 18 PC-7 MKX aircraft to replace its ageing Marchetti SF-260 fleet.

These countries are customers of the PC-7 MKX program, but the available sources describe deliveries and service introduction as future activities rather than established operational use.

Specifications (PC-7 MKX)

General characteristics

• Type: Basic military trainer aircraft
• Configuration: Single-engined turboprop, low-wing aircraft
• Cockpit: Tandem seating
• Construction: All-metal airframe
• Powerplant: One Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-series turboprop engine
• Wing features: Winglets fitted at the wingtips

Cockpit and training equipment

• Primary displays: Three large multifunction displays at each cockpit position
• Escape system: Martin-Baker ejection seats
• Ground training: Compatible with the Pilatus Ground Based Training System
• Training technologies: Ground-based systems can incorporate augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality