Defence and security company Saab has signed a contract with Pilatus Aircraft to provide the mission and graphics computer, with a digital map function, for the Pilatus PC-21. The order value amounts to approximately SEK 100 million.

The contract covers development, adaptation and delivery of an open system mission computer, plus the digital map software function, for the PC-21 advanced turboprop trainer aircraft produced by Switzerland's Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Series production deliveries will start in 2016 and will continue over the life of the PC-21 programme. The contract provides options for additional suborders that could include further cockpit functions and systems.

“This is a contract and a partnership of strategic importance for Saab. Both we and Pilatus are dedicated to the introduction of modern technology that gives aircrew superior situational awareness, and delivers a competitive edge to their aircraft,” says Ronny Nykvist, head of Saab business unit Avionics Systems.

Saab´s business unit Avionics Systems has a long history of developing and supplying high-integrity mission and graphics computers for demanding aircraft missions and applications. Saab's avionics embrace a common architecture that is modular, scaleable, upgradeable and expandable ­– all with a state-of-the-art computer and graphics platform.