FMV states that this is the first time in eleven years that they have handed over a new flight system to the Swedish Armed Forces and the Air Force. It involves a total of ten new training aircraft of the SK40 model. The first seven were ordered from the manufacturer Grob Aircraft SE in the spring of 2021, and in December 2022, they chose to exercise an option for an additional three aircraft.
– The procurement has been characterised by openness and transparency between the supplier Grob Aircraft, the Swedish Armed Forces, and FMV. This has definitely contributed to our ability to deliver the system so quickly to the Swedish Armed Forces. Everyone has had an understanding of what the goal is and how we should get there, says Andreas Säf Pernselius, project manager at FMV.
Complete training system
The order includes a complete training system that, in addition to the aircraft, includes a digital planning system, training for flight instructors, flight safety equipment, and simulators. All ten aircraft are expected to be operational in 2023. The flight school's instructors will also conduct a so-called type conversion on the system to then develop and finalise a new training plan. The goal is for the training system to be ready to receive the first batch of pilot students in the summer of 2024.
– The SK40 well meets the requirements set by the Swedish Armed Forces for the system to be able to train future fighter pilots during the basic flight training part of the education, says Andreas Säf Pernselius.