France Acquires Pilatus PC-7 MkX Aircraft for Pilot Training

France has awarded a €795 million, 17-year ‘Mentor 2’ contract to Babcock International France Aviation to modernize pilot training for its Air and Space Force and Navy.

The program will introduce 22 Pilatus PC-7 MkX aircraft and 12 Exail-built flight simulators at Salon-de-Provence. This transition will replace the GROB 120A and Cirrus SR20 currently in use, consolidating training resources at a single location.

The PC-7 MkX, powered by a turboprop engine, features instrumentation to replicate military aircraft performance. Its specifications include a 10.26-meter length, 10.46-meter wingspan, 2.85-ton maximum take-off weight, and a ceiling of 25,000 feet, reaching speeds up to Mach 0.6.

The Mentor 2 program aims to streamline pilot preparation by centralizing resources and adopting unified standards for fighter and transport aircraft training. The integration of latest simulation technology is expected to enhance flexibility and operational continuity.

Exail’s 12 simulators will support foundational training, emphasizing efficiency and consistency. By using a single aircraft model, the program seeks to reduce training times while fostering interoperability.