Air Corps Pilatus PC-9M

For those interested in the SF-260.

There will be a book out soon about the Marchetti in the Belgian AF.

I can keep you all posted if interested.

Guinness

[Silver]

Ok, so we know that the PC-9's are on the way and we also know what their armament fit will be.  

However,
What are their actual operational capabilities ?

This is how I see it :

- Training (Basic to Advanced).
- Aerobatics (Display Team).
- Counter Insurgency Operations (COIN).
- Interception of Light Aircraft/Helicopters.
- Target Towing (Training with Army & Navy).
- Photo Reconnaissance.  

Have I covered all the options ?

[Claudel Hopson]

The sf260 can be equipped with two Vinten Camera pods using Bog Standard cameras, the IR ones were deemed too expensive.

There were three Belgian AF SF260D in last week tail codes ST42, ST45 and ST48. All were in their yellow paint scheme.

[Silver]

Interesting shot of Marchetti 225 complete with photo pods on page 51 of the new AC book.
First time I have seen a pic of the photo reece pods.

Presumably these pods will work on the PC-9's also ?

[n-e-foo]

You forgot:

- photo ops

Yup how long before we see the minister of defence clamboring in the back to hitch a ride '>

Question to everyone on the board - do you think we need more than 8 PC-9's?

[Silver]

I agree with you re Smithy  '>

I would have liked to see at least 10 x PC-9's ordered - with options for a further two aircraft.

[Silver]

Don't know if such equipment was aquired for the SF-260WE's.
But the capability is there.

The book states "...the aircraft may be used for battlefield photo reconnaissance (including infra red) with camera pods"

From what I understand the Marchetti uses pretty standard cameras for photo reconnaissance - simple but effective
(like roadside speeding cameras !).

(N.B. - This information is in the public domain. It is in the book "A View From The Tower". Otherwise I wouldn't be discussing it).

I can remember seeing a picture of a PC-9 carrying the AIM-9 Sidewinder so that makes the Air Defense a role as well.

The PC-9 in the picture was from the Botswana ADF.

Guinness

[Silver]

Interestingly, I was reading today (in "A View From The Tower") that the Marchetti's can operate "infra-red photo reconnaissance" !

Presumably the PC-9's will have this capability - or better !

[n-e-foo]

thats quite interesting silver i didn't know the marchetti had such a capability! i guess its much like any of the weapons the marchetti uses, the trigger is pulled and it starts recording, all the needed technology is in the pod?

but did the air corps ever get such equipment?

something tells me we shouldnt discuss this any further though '>