PAF CG accepts 4 new training jets

Clark Air Base, Pampanga (4 November) — Air Force Chief, Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena, formally accepted today (Nov.4) the initial 4 of the 18 brand new trainer planes brought this year from Italy through the military’s modernization program, with Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin as guest of honor.

Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesman Lt. Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol said this initial delivery (of 4 aircraft) is part of the 18 basic trainer aircraft which the Air Force is acquiring from Augusta of Italy with a total cost of P621, 671,409.06. The said package includes the planes, spare parts, training and integrated logistical support.

“These trainers will significantly increase the number of available basic trainer aircraft of the PAF for flight training. The handover of T-41 aircraft from the Republic of South Korea in 2009 provided more primary trainer aircraft for the Philippine Air Force Flying School. The current Pilot Training System of the Philippine Air Force uses both the T-41 and the SF-260 aircraft for primary and basic training respectively,” Okol said.

The Air Force is lacking in training aircrafts, with at least 150 to 170 Air Force officers forced to wait in line for an actual training to fly an aircraft. The arrival of the four SF-260 Marchetti planes will boost the training capability of the Air Force and ease the backlog of students required to undergo flying exercises. But Okol clarified that (even if they wait for the flying time), their time was not wasted as they are also required to undergo training in other career fields related to intelligence, computers, logistics and maintenance.

The propeller-driven AF-260 is the world’s most successful screener and primary trainer.

Fully acrobatic by design, the SF-260 offers flight characteristics and performance levels that allow effective pilot candidates screening early in the programme and minimizes the costs incurred when students wash out on jets or complex turboprops.

The SF-260, with Allison 250-B17D Turboprop engine, has a span of 8.35 m, length of 7.40 m, rate climb of 2,200 ft/min and maximum level speed of 228 KTAS. All SF-260 variants are available with either piston or turbine engines.

Some 900 SF-260 have been sold to 27 different military customers, civil professional flying schools and private operators worldwide. The Italian Air Force bought 30 brand new units.

The expected completion of deliveries, for the remaining 14 aircraft, will be until 1st quarter of 2011. (PAF thru PIA 3) [top]