Ausserdienststellung PC-9

Decommissioning of the PC-9

The Swiss Air Force retired the PC-9 fleet at the end of 2022. The DDPS is responsible for liquidating and selling the last three PC-9s by the end of this year. As a long-standing material competence center for the single-engine turboprops, RUAG also plays an important role in the decommissioning. The capacity freed up can be offset by the maintenance, repair and overhaul of other propeller aircraft.

#Air Systems

Decommissioning of the PC-9 fleet

The Swiss Air Force retired the entire PC-9 fleet at the end of 2022. During their 34 years of service, the twelve single-engine turboprops were mainly used to tow targets for the anti-aircraft division. Reduced operations and cost-saving measures led to a steady fleet reduction and the eventual decommissioning of the PC-9 fleet. The DDPS is responsible for the sale and liquidation process of the last three aircraft, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

RUAG as the material competence center for propeller aircraft

During a decade of service of the PC-9 fleet, RUAG assumed the role of material competence center on behalf of the Swiss Air Force. At the Lodrino site, the company performed extensive maintenance and repair work on aircraft components and cells. RUAG will also perform several important life-cycle management functions during decommissioning.

The capacity freed up by the retirement of the PC-9 aircraft will be offset in Lodrino with maintenance and repair work for the PC-7 fleet of the Swiss Air Force and services for the third market.

For more information about our extensive expertise as a partner in the maintenance of propeller aircraft, please contact Thomas Pedrazzi, Sales Manager, Thomas.Pedrazzi@ruag.ch, tel. +41 58 485 70 48

For more information on RUAG, please contact Kirsten Hammerich, Senior Media Relations Manager, Kirsten.Hammerich@ruag.ch / tel. +41 58 467 05 11.

Landung letzter PC-9 in Lodrino
Image 1 The last PC-9 lands at the RUAG site in Lodrino.