In November 1998, Pilatus Aircraft Ltd privately funded the development of a new training system, the PC-21. In order to meet both the expectations of modern air force training systems and the need to minimise through-life costs, the design had to be completely new.
The PC-21 development programme, which commenced in January 1999, focused on three core objectives:

• Superior aerodynamic performance when compared with any other turboprop trainer currently on the market
• A more powerful, flexible and cost effective integrated training system than any other turboprop or jet trainer in the World
• A life cycle support cost that did not exceed current turboprop benchmarks

• Aircraft handling
• Tactical navigation training
• Mission and system management
• Simulated air-to-ground engagement
• Simulated air-to-air engagement
• NVG, FLIR and reconnaissance training
• Embedded simulation and emulation
• A Pratt & Whitney PT6A-68B turboprop engine incorporating an electronic power management system, and a five-blade graphite propeller powers the aircraft. Other key features include a high-efficiency swept wing with ailerons and spoilers, automatic yaw compensation, pressurised cockpit, automated cockpit conditioning, an anti-g system and on board oxygen generation. The aircraft uses the very latest Martin Baker Mk 16L ejection seat with zero-zero performance and command ejection.
  The latest reliability and maintainability concepts have been designed into the PC-21. Modern fabrication techniques reduce assembly time, repair and modification costs. Improved accessibility and intelligent component selection reduces maintenance man-hours per flight hour and minimises the risk and operational impact of aircraft on the ground (AOG). Smart contracting with component suppliers drives efficiency in the logistics chain and provides an innovative environment for capability growth.
  The PC-21 will have significantly less impact on the environment. Emissions are lower and the aircraft is quieter than jet aircraft at the same speed. It requires less airspace to conduct the same training, thus enabling sorties to be conducted well away from populated areas.
  Systems integration is the key element of the PC-21 cockpit design philosophy. There are three 6x8 inch AMLCD main displays and two AMLCD standby displays in each cockpit. All displays are NVG compatible. In addition the front cockpit has a head-up display (HUD). The rear cockpit can be fitted with a HUD repeater. Inputs to the system are made via the multi-function display soft keys, the up-front control panel and the HOTAS.
  Digital recorders track all displays for effective debriefing, even after solo sorties. The instructor can de-couple himself from the student's display selections in order to monitor accurately the aircraft position, even if the student has made erroneous inputs. In an emergency, the student can select full flight safety mode, even if the syllabus profile would deny the student access to some of the functionality of the avionic system. The training software is easily adapted to the requirements of the syllabus and the PC-21 software is compatible with computer-based training, cockpit procedure trainers and simulators. The aim is to create the perfect environment for the student and instructor in accordance with the requirements of the syllabus and the ability of the student.
  The PC-21 will reduce the cost of ownership by providing a much greater training capability without exceeding turboprop acquisition and life-cycle benchmarks. Aircraft handling characteristics can be changed to reflect the stage of training. For basic students, the engine power can be limited, yaw is minimised and roll-rate is scheduled on a dual system that allows benign handling at normal stick deflection. For advanced sorties, full power is available and the aileron/spoiler combination generates roll rates that are comparable with the very latest fighter aircraft. By designing configurable handling characteristics, pushing low-level speed and climb rates into jet territory and incorporating avionics that provide the best missions systems training of any training aircraft in the World, PC-21 may eliminate one or even two types of aircraft from the training fleet. In a PC-21-based training system, economies of scope and scale will result in significant savings in both the time and cost of the training pipeline.
  The Pilatus PC-21 expands the training envelope whilst minimising life-cycle costs. It maximises training efficiency by combining the economies of Turboprop operation with high aerodynamic performance and a state-of-the-art Training System.
  The all new PC-21 - Twenty-First Century Training.