ENAER selects Astronautics Corp. to develop avionics system for PILLAN II training aircraft
OAK CREEK, Wis. - Astronautics Corporation of America in Oak Creek, Wis., announced that it has been selected by Empresa Nacional de Aeronáutica de Chile (ENAER) to develop an avionics system for the PILLAN II basic trainer aircraft.
The avionics system features an all- glass cockpit to assist student pilots in transitioning to more advanced aircraft. At the core of the system are Astronautics’ Badger Pro + Gen 2. 0 multifunction displays (MFDs), with two screens in both the front and rear cockpits. These displays provide primary flight data, engine monitoring, crew alerts, and a video interface for instructors. Adjacent to the MFDs is Avidyne' s IFD 550 flight management system, which includes GPS, navigation, communication, and synthetic vision capabilities. The displays and avionics are compatible with night vision.
"Astronautics is pleased to bring our systems capabilities and experience to the PILLAN II project by delivering a mature yet tailored avionics system solution," said Eytan Saletsky, Astronautics’ director of system solutions. "The Chilean Air Force will be able to train their student pilots with a modern, integrated avionics system that guarantees a smooth and efficient transition to the next aircraft in the training curriculum and later in their operational careers."
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Additional features
The avionics system also includes air data heading and reference units, GPS and radio navigation systems, surveillance equipment with ADS- B In and Out capability, an engine data acquisition system, and VHF communication radios integrated into a digital audio management system. A digital video, audio, and data recorder will complete the system.
Astronautics will integrate, test, and verify the system in its Systems Integration Lab before installation on the prototype aircraft in Chile. ENAER will conduct aircraft integration and flight testing, with Astronautics supporting airworthiness acceptance tests. ENAER is under contract to deliver 33 PILLAN II aircraft to the Chilean Air Force (FACh) to replace its aging T- 35 trainer fleet.
The PILLAN II program includes adaptation, implementation, and testing phases. Three avionics shipsets will be delivered for prototype integration and ground testing from 2025 to 2026, followed by flight testing in 2027. Serial production of 30 aircraft is scheduled for 2028 through 2030.
