L&M Resin Kits

Pilatus PC-9A (Cro AF) 1/72

The Pilatus PC-9 is arguably the best turboprop trainer aircraft in the world. It was designed on the previous Pilatus trainer, the PC-7. The first preproduction example first flight happened in 1984. In 1985 it lost a competition for the RAF trainer to Shorts Tucano, but soon after that, the Saudi Arabia became the first PC-9 costumer. In 1997 first Australian PC-9A flew. PC-9B was designation of a special target-towing variant exported to Germany with an increased fuel capacity. Pilatus developed a version called PC-9 Mk.II for the US JPATS competition. The airframe won and Rayethon has now more than 1000 planes designated T-6 Texan II on order. In 1997 Pilatus unveiled the improved version with many modifications, called the PC-9M. Slovenia was the launch customer for the PC-9M, ordering nine planes, which were later modified to »Swift« configuration (HOTAS, NVG, HUD, armed,...). The orders followed from Oman and the latest was from Irish defence ministry. Current users: Angola, Australia, Croatia, Cyprus, Iraq (?), Ireland, Myanmar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Thailand, US Army 1991-1993 (later sold to Slovenia), Condor Flugdienst (PC-9B), USAF, USMC and USN as T-6A Texan II.