The Swiss air force is to adopt a new colour scheme for its Pilatus PC-21 trainers, after determining that its existing red and white livery has limitations under some weather conditions.
The first of the service's current six PC-21s has recently received a new red paint scheme with a small white pinstripe. It says the new design will increase flight safety during instrument formation flying and in overcast conditions.
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Both images © Swiss air force |
The Swiss air force's new livery (top) will increase the PC-21's visibility |
A second aircraft will be repainted soon, with all six to receive the modification by the second half of 2012. An additional two PC-21s recently ordered will be delivered in the new scheme, which is almost identical to the colours used by Pilatus on its development examples of the trainer.
The Swiss air force has used the PC-21 since April 2008 to prepare its pilots for operations with the Boeing F/A-18C/D.
Text by Eric Katerberg
Source: Flight International
