RMAF receives five Pilatus PC-7 MK II aircraft, three EC 120B helicopters

ALOR SETAR: The Royal Malaysian Airforce yesterday received five Pilatus PC-7 Mk II aircraft and three EC 120B helicopters which will be used to train its pilots.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the new assets would be placed at the Air Force College ( KTU) Kepala Batas, here.

“The addition of the new flight training assets will improve the

efficiency, ability and effectiveness of RMAF in defending the security and sovereignty of the nation’s air space,”he said.

He was speaking to the media after attending RMAF’s Hari Raya celebration and launching both air assets at KTU here, yesterday.

Also present were Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah, Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Seri Johari Baharum and RMAF chief General Tan Sri Roslan Saad.

Hishammuddin said the acquisition of the new aircraft, making the total Pilatus PC-7 Mark II owned by RMAF to 21, which were received in stages since 2007 to replace the former Pilatus PC-7 which has been used for 33 years.

The PC-7 MK II is powered by Pratt & Whitney PT6A-25C turboprop engines which is able to produce as much power as 700hsp.

The single engine EC 120B helicopters were acquired to replaced the former Alouette III helicopters, specifically to give early exposure to the pilots on the operation of the new generation of advanced helicopters.

Weighing at 1.7 tonnes, the helipcopter which is capable of ferrying four passengers, is equipped with advanced technology that simplifies operations, is safe and cost effective. — Bernama