Slovenian Air Force and Air Defence PC-9M Solo Display

PC-9M Solo Display

The Air Force and Air Defence PC-9M Solo Display team, stationed at Cerklje ob Krki Air Base, is a standout performer at airshows throughout Europe, captivating audiences with their skillful demonstrations aboard the Pilatus PC-9M aircraft. This single-engine, low-wing tandem-seat turboprop, crafted by Swiss manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft, is celebrated for its remarkable performance and agility, making it a perfect fit for aerobatic displays. The PC-9M variant flown by the Slovenian team is an enhanced model, boasting improved maneuverability and versatility, which allows the pilots to push the boundaries of aerial acrobatics. Their shows are a brilliant blend of the aircraft’s cutting-edge design and the pilots’ exceptional talent, offering a thrilling showcase of precision and control.

The team’s repertoire features an array of complex maneuvers that highlight both the PC-9M’s capabilities and the pilots’ expertise. Among these are vertical rolls, where the aircraft executes rapid rolls during a steep upward climb, flaunting its swift roll rate. In inverted flight, the plane sustains flight upside down, demanding exacting control to keep altitude and direction steady. The striking knife-edge flight sees the aircraft soaring sideways, wings vertical to the ground, a testament to the pilot’s finesse in unconventional positions. Traditional moves like loops and Cuban eights involve high-G turns in circular or figure-eight patterns, while the daring tail slide has the plane climbing vertically until it stalls, sliding backward before a controlled recovery. The meticulous four-point roll pauses at four 90-degree intervals, and the hammerhead turn combines a vertical climb with a sharp 180-degree pivot at the peak. Perhaps most impressive is the spin, a high-skill maneuver where the aircraft spins towards the ground before a safe recovery.

Beyond their technical prowess, the Slovenian PC-9M Solo Display team has garnered widespread acclaim for their performances, cementing their status as a top-tier aerobatic unit. They’ve clinched prestigious awards, including best display honors at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) in 2015 and 2017, a globally renowned military air show. These accolades reflect the team’s dedication to perfection and their ability to execute visually spectacular and technically demanding routines. By blending the PC-9M’s advanced features with their own skillful artistry, the Slovenian Air Force pilots not only dazzle spectators but also affirm their reputation as one of Europe’s elite solo display teams, consistently raising the bar for aerobatic excellence.

About the PC-9M

The Pilatus PC-9M is an advanced turboprop training aircraft developed by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland, evolving from the earlier PC-9 model, which itself was a more powerful successor to the Pilatus PC-7. Designed in the early 1980s to meet the demand for a versatile trainer capable of both ab initio and advanced flight training, the PC-9 aimed to eliminate the need for an intermediate aircraft. The first PC-9 prototype took flight in May 1984, achieving certification in September 1985, after which it entered production with initial orders from the Royal Saudi Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force.

The PC-9M variant, introduced in the 1990s, brought significant enhancements over its predecessor, including an enlarged dorsal fin for improved longitudinal stability, modified wingroot fairings, and updated engine and propeller controls. These upgrades expanded its capabilities, making it suitable for a broad spectrum of training tasks, from basic flight instruction to aerobatics and weapons training. The aircraft's versatility and reliability have led to over 250 PC-9s being produced across various variants, serving military and civilian operators worldwide.

Built as a single-engine, low-wing tandem-seat aircraft, the PC-9M features a robust design with a ventral airbrake and an enlarged cockpit, distinguishing it from the PC-7 while maintaining Pilatus' reputation for high-quality trainers. Its adaptability has ensured its continued use by air forces globally, even as newer models like the Pilatus PC-21 emerge, highlighting its enduring role in aviation training.

Specifications

PC-9M Hudournik in the Slovenian Air Force and Air Defence

The PC-9M Hudournik is the Slovenian Air Force's designation for its fleet of PC-9M aircraft, with "Hudournik" translating to "Swift" in Slovenian. Slovenia operates eleven PC-9s, nine of which are the upgraded PC-9M variant, acquired in two batches: three in 1995 and nine in November 1998. These aircraft underwent further enhancements by RADOM Aviation in Israel, equipping them with six underwing hardpoints to carry bombs, rockets, and gun pods, enabling them to serve as both advanced trainers and light attack platforms.

Based at Cerklje ob Krki in southeastern Slovenia, the PC-9M Hudournik fulfills dual roles within the Slovenian Air Force and Air Defence. It supports advanced pilot training, including aerobatics and weapons handling, while also performing operational tasks like close air support.

Despite the introduction of more advanced trainers like the Pilatus PC-21, the PC-9M Hudournik remains a vital asset for Slovenia, reflecting its adaptability and sustained performance. Its continued service underscores its importance as a cornerstone of the Slovenian Air Force’s training and operational capabilities, balancing cost-effectiveness with multi-role functionality.

Did You Know?

• The PC-9M features an enlarged dorsal fin, which improves its longitudinal stability, making it even more suitable for advanced training and aerobatic maneuvers.
• Unlike the standard PC-9, the PC-9M can be equipped with up to six underwing hardpoints, allowing it to carry a variety of weapons, including bombs, rockets, and gun pods, thus serving as a light attack aircraft.
• The PC-9M is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-62 turboprop engine, which provides 1,150 shaft horsepower, giving it impressive performance for its class.
• The cockpit of the PC-9M is designed with a stepped tandem configuration, where the rear seat is elevated, providing excellent visibility for both the instructor and the trainee.
• The PC-9M's adaptability has led to its use in various roles, including advanced training and light attack, by multiple air forces worldwide.