Airbus Military has unveiled the latest version of the PZL-130 Orlik turboprop trainer, developed in association with Poland's Institute of Aviation and Air Force Institute of Technology (ITWL).

The Orlik multipurpose trainer (MPT) is based on the TC-II-standard model of the aircraft, but introduces an open architecture avionics suite with full glass cockpit comprising four multi-function displays and head-up display. The new equipment is being integrated by ITWL.

Airbus Military Orlik trainer

Bartosz Glowacki

To be offered to the Polish air force, as well as to African and Latin American customers, the Orlik MPT is due to be flown in demonstrator form in mid-2013.

Meanwhile, the Airbus Military EADS PZL Warszawa-Okecie facility is continuing a programme to upgrade 16 Orlik TC-Is to the TC-II configuration for the Polish air force. Six were returned to the service's academy in Deblin in 2011, with the last of six more to be delivered this year to follow before year-end. The remainder will be completed during 2013.

Source: Flight International