New BDF plane in first flight

TSHIRELETSO MOTLOGELWA
Staff Writer | Tuesday August 7, 2012 00:00

 

This paves way for the delivery of the aircraft that is due later in the year. Last year, the BDF placed an order for the five trainer aircraft that will replace the army's ageing PC-7s that were procured during a surge in defence procurement in the 1990s.  Two of the older PC-7s were involved in a mid-air collision killing one. According to industry insiders, the Swiss contract was signed in April last year. The contract included a ground-based training system, computer based training, spare parts, support equipment, as well as pilot and technician conversion training elements.

The deadline for total delivery is early 2013 with pilots set to move into the new system through the course of the year. PC-7s are generally used for training purposes, although they are capable of being armed.  Meanwhile, the Swiss aircraft manufacturer is involved in upgrading the cockpits of some of South African Air Force's fleet. The SA Air Force has 35 of the PC-7 Mk IIs.  Like Botswana, South Africa purchased its first batch of older PC-7s in the 90s in the post-Apartheid period