For more than four decades, the Pilatus PC-7 has formed the backbone for the basic training of military pilots in the Swiss Air Force
In order to ensure the suitability of the fleet of 27 aircraft for deployment in the long term, the PC-7 WE value retention program was launched in 2023. Alongside the original manufacturer, Pilatus, RUAG is responsible for the implementation of the project as a comprehensive technical partner.
The program is divided into two stages. At present, the preliminary accompanying measures are underway – a central milestone in the preparation for the subsequent modernization phase. Alongside this, Pilatus has already begun the modification of the series production samples.
Within the scope of the preliminary accompanying measures, 14 aircraft have been successfully modified thus far – eight of these by RUAG at the Lodrino site, and six by Pilatus in Stans. As such, half of the PC-7 fleet has already been modified and handed over to the Air Force. The project is therefore running according to plan.
In order to ensure the availability of the fleet for the Air Force at all times, four aircraft are currently modernized simultaneously. This targeted planning enables the continuous operational readiness of the remaining machines throughout the entire course of the project.
Following the conversion of the first aircraft, internal processes were analyzed and further developed in a targeted manner. One specific result of these optimizations is the development of a template for the preparation of the cable ducts. This enables the more efficient pre-installation of the cable harnesses outside of the aircraft and simplifies subsequent installation – which in turn has positive effects on process quality, installation time and the final result.
The collaboration with Pilatus and the customer, armasuisse, is running very effectively. Project management receives active support through regular meetings with all partners. Cooperation with the armasuisse test pilots, who perform the acceptance flights following successful modification, is also constructive and efficient.
An additional quality step has been established with the introduction of a standardized incoming test flight performed by RUAG factory test pilots. This takes place prior to the commencement of the modification work and serves to identify existing faults that are not linked to the conversion at an early stage. As a result, the service life of the aircraft is also optimized.
Thanks to the structured collaboration of all those involved, the introduced optimization measures and a motivated team that actively strives to adhere to the agreed deadlines, the project is running entirely according to schedule. The PC-7 value retention program thus forms the foundation for the running of a reliable training organization for the Swiss Air Force until at least 2040 – modernized, available and future-proof.
As a reliable technological partner to the Swiss Armed Forces boasting comprehensive expertise in the field of lifecycle management, we make a significant contribution to ensuring the operational readiness and availability of military systems – and in so doing we make an important contribution to the sovereign security of Switzerland.
