Pilatus P-3

Lycoming GO -435 - C2A2

240 hp (180 kW)

The Pilatus P -3 is a two-seat training aircraft, designed as a cantilever low-wing monoplane. It was developed from 1952 Aircraft of the Swiss firm Pilatus AG and subsequently built. There were built 72 copies for the Swiss Air Force and 6 for Brazil.

History

Development of the prototype

With the advent of fighter aircraft with jet propulsion and nose gear rethinking the training of fighter pilots was necessary. We wanted to create a type of aircraft with which you could complete the whole training beginners to change to a jet trainer. This should be in terms of visual as well as launch and landing characteristics already have a certain similarity with the fighter jets.

From 1952, we dealt with Pilatus with the project, it was named P-3. On 3 September 1953, the first flight took place, after testing by the Federal Aviation Authority Type Certificate was issued. The prototype was 1953/54, of the Air Force ( Air Force today ) tested. In 1966, the machine was turned into a prototype of the PC-7.

Takeover by the army

Flight testing led to a second prototype, which was built a better engine, among other changes. After a second trial phase, the Air Force took over the machine and ordered a trial series of twelve aircraft, which were produced in the years 1955 and 1956. On the wings of these machines two stations were provided for training weapons, but these were never used.

According to the experiments in the training company, a further series in 1957 ordered 60 aircraft, which were similar to those of the previous series largely identical. As 1983, the PC -7 was introduced as a new trainer aircraft of the Air Force, you put the P- 3 nor as a liaison aircraft.

Civilian series

After the first test series 6 machines were installed at Pilatus, which were first used in civil aviation schools. The whole series was sold in 1963 via America to the Brazilian Navy. Two of the machines are now on display in a museum in Rio de Janeiro.

Construction / Equipment

The two-seater P- 3 is designed as a cantilever low-wing monoplane. It is entirely made ​​of metal. The full-vision hood goes over both seats, it can be dropped in an emergency. The machine is equipped with retractable landing gear with low-pressure tires and disc brakes.

Dual control, flying blind and radio equipment are standard equipment for the team.

Military user

• Brazilian Navy

• Swiss Air Force