For over four decades, the Pilatus PC-7 has formed the backbone of basic training for military pilots in the Swiss Air Force. Swiss Air Force. To ensure the long-term operational capability of the fleet of 27 aircraft, the PC-7 WE maintenance program was launched in 2023. Half of the fleet has now been modernized by RUAG and Pilatus.
The maintenance program for the Swiss Air Force’s PC-7 fleet is divided into two stages. The early accompanying measures are currently being implemented – a key milestone in preparation for the subsequent modernization phase. At the same time, Pilatus has already begun the conversion of the production model.
As part of this first phase, 14 aircraft have been successfully modified so far – eight by RUAG at the Lodrino site and six by Pilatus in Stans. This means that half of the PC-7 fleet has already been converted and returned to the Air Force.
In order to ensure the operational readiness of the fleet at all times, the modernization will be carried out in groups of four. “This targeted timing ensures the continuous availability of the remaining aircraft throughout the entire duration of the project,” as stated in a recent RUAG press release.
After the initial changeovers, internal processes were systematically analyzed and further developed. One concrete result of these optimizations is the development of a template for preparing the cable guides. This allows cable harnesses to be pre-installed outside the aircraft and then installed much more quickly.
From RUAG’s perspective, the cooperation with Pilatus and the customer Armasuisse is proceeding “without any problems”. Project management is actively supported by regular coordination with all partners. Cooperation with the Armasuisse test pilots, who carry out the acceptance flights after the modification has been completed, is also running smoothly.
An additional quality step was established with the introduction of a standardized incoming factory flight by RUAG factory pilots. This takes place before the start of modification work and serves to identify defects that are not suitable for modification at an early stage – a significant contribution to reducing downtimes.
Thanks to the structured cooperation of all those involved and the optimization measures implemented, the programme is on schedule. The PC-7 maintenance program thus forms the basis for safe training operations for the Swiss Air Force until at least 2040.
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