PZL to modernise 130 Orlik TC-I trainers
PZL Warszawa-Okęcie has received a contract to upgrade the Polish Air Force’s PZL 130 Orlik TC-I trainer aircraft fleet to the latest standard, Airbus announced on 19 December.
PZL Warszawa-Okęcie will perform structural and avionics upgrades on the 12 aircraft before returning them to service as effectively new machines. They will then be designated as Orlik TC II Advanced and will join 16 similar aircraft currently being updated from the more recent Orlik TC II standard to form a uniform fleet between mid-2019 and October 2020.
The work will include the provision of new wings, tails, engines and propellers, and replacement of the cockpit instrumentation and avionics with modern systems.
The modernisation permits the introduction of 'on-condition' instead of calendar-based maintenance, and less frequent checks, resulting in operating cost savings.
Manuel Heredia, president and CEO of PZL, said: ‘This programme will provide a cost-effective route for Poland to train its future military pilots in an advanced aircraft that meets all equipment requirements to fly in today’s regulated and controlled airspace while remaining a fully aerobatic trainer permitting the latest instructional techniques.'
You may also like
More from Training
-
![British Army Strategic Training Partner bidders drop from seven to four]()
British Army Strategic Training Partner bidders drop from seven to four
Three of the bidding consortia have dropped out of the competition to become STP for the British Army Collective Training Service.
-
![What is preventing the US Pentagon from succeeding in multi-domain scenarios?]()
What is preventing the US Pentagon from succeeding in multi-domain scenarios?
Outstanding issues to be addressed include improving doctrine, increasing the number of joint exercises and better integrating capabilities across the services.
-
![AI innovation set to revolutionise military training landscape]()
AI innovation set to revolutionise military training landscape
Artificial intelligence offers unprecedented potential to revolutionise military training, enabling agile and decisive forces.
-
![Training Together: Unlocking Educational Excellence through Military and Industry Collaboration (Studio)]()
Training Together: Unlocking Educational Excellence through Military and Industry Collaboration (Studio)
Military training is ultimately about people. At Capita, training programmes are built on close engagement with partners, delivering an educational approach that can adapt to individual needs, cultivate leadership – and drive wider cultural change.
-
![Three A-29 Super Tucanos find new home at US Air Force Test Pilot School]()
Three A-29 Super Tucanos find new home at US Air Force Test Pilot School
Embraer’s light attack aircraft were selected by Edwards Air Force Base to join its test pilot school, following their abandonment by US Air Force Special Operations Command.
-
![Enhancing Military Training Through Digital Technology (Studio)]()
Enhancing Military Training Through Digital Technology (Studio)
Digital technologies offer huge opportunities for defence training. However, militaries must adopt an agile approach, placing the needs of their organisations and personnel at the centre of their efforts.
