Babcock to Supply Advanced PC-7 MKX Training Aircraft Fleet to French Military
Babcock has secured a €795-million ($827.9-million) contract to provide 22 Pilatus PC-7 MKX training aircraft to the French Air and Space Force and the French Navy. This significant agreement not only underscores the company's growing reputation as a global leader in defense training solutions but also marks a substantial step forward in modernizing France's military pilot training programs.
Comprehensive Training Package
The contract goes beyond just aircraft delivery. It includes a holistic package of through-life support, pilot equipment, and infrastructure enhancements to ensure a robust and efficient training ecosystem. Babcock will also provide 12 state-of-the-art training simulators designed to complement the PC-7 MKX aircraft. These simulators will help trainee pilots master a wide range of operational scenarios, further enhancing their readiness for real-world missions.
Training Hub at Salon-de-Provence
The new PC-7 MKX fleet will be based at Salon-de-Provence Air Base in southern France, serving as a central hub for training aspiring military pilots. Students will undergo foundational flight training here before progressing to advanced roles such as fighter or transport pilots. The program is expected to generate around 11,000 flight hours and 6,500 training hours annually, accommodating approximately 120 students each year.
The initiative will also create over 100 jobs, spanning engineering, technical, administrative, and project management roles, distributed across Salon-de-Provence and Le Cannet-des-Maures.
Specifications of the PC-7 MKX
The Pilatus PC-7 MKX is an upgraded, high-performance version of the renowned PC-7 series, designed to meet the rigorous demands of military pilot training. Below are some of its key specifications:
- Dimensions: 34 feet (10 meters) in length
- Engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-25C turboprop engine with 700 horsepower
- Maximum Speed: 300 knots (556 km/h or 345 mph)
- Range: 1,800 nautical miles (3,334 km or 2,071 miles)
- Service Ceiling: 25,000 feet (7,260 meters)
The aircraft features modern avionics, including multiple flight displays, an autopilot system, a cockpit camera, a traffic advisory system, and a debriefing system for post-mission reviews. These features make the PC-7 MKX an ideal choice for comprehensive pilot training, covering both basic and advanced flight operations.
Strengthening Military Aviation Readiness
Pierre Basquin, CEO of Babcock France, emphasized the importance of this partnership in enhancing national and international security. "We are delighted to support our customers with their air-based training requirements, further enabling them to focus on delivering critical military aviation needs," he stated. This deal cements Babcock's role as a key partner in France's fighter pilot training programs.
Babcock's Expanding Presence in France
Babcock has been actively involved in French military training programs. At the Cognac-Châteaubernard Air Base, the company currently supports pilot training using a fleet of 26 Pilatus PC-21 aircraft. Additionally, in December 2023, Babcock acquired 11 L-39 Albatros aircraft to bolster its in-house training capabilities in France.
A Future-Ready Training Solution
The introduction of the PC-7 MKX training fleet marks a significant leap forward in France's ability to train next-generation military pilots. With its advanced features and comprehensive support infrastructure, the program ensures that the French Air and Space Force and Navy remain at the forefront of global military aviation standards. This contract not only strengthens Babcock's position in the defense sector but also reinforces its commitment to empowering military forces with cutting-edge training solutions.
