New simulators for training air force pilots

New Delhi, May 9 (IANS) The Indian Air Force (IAF) is acquiring simulators to help its rookie pilots learn the art of flying, parliament was informed Wednesday.

The IAF has already procured four simulators for its Hawk advanced jet trainer aircraft and a contract for four more has also been signed Defence Minister A.K. Antony told the Rajya Sabha.

He also noted that eight simulators of the intermediate jet trainer had been contracted for.

The IAF is currently training its rookie pilots on Kiran jet trainers after its entire fleet of piston-engined trainers was grounded following a series of crashes that claimed several lives of pilots and trainees.

It also has a fleet of Hawks to provide stage-III flying trainer to the pilots before they move onto flying supersonic combat jets such as MiG-21s.

The IAF is in the process of signing a contract for 75 basic trainers as a replacement for the piston-engined trainers. The Swiss Pilatus has been chosen as the winner of the contract for supplying PC-7 basic trainer aircraft.