Slovenian Air Force and Air Defence PC-9M Solo Display

The Slovenian Air Force and Air Defence PC-9M Solo Display is a single-ship demonstration team of the Slovenian Armed Forces, stationed at Cerklje ob Krki Air Base. This elite unit has earned a stellar reputation across Europe for their captivating performances at airshows, showcasing the remarkable capabilities of the Pilatus PC-9M aircraft. Crafted by Swiss manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft, this single-engine, low-wing tandem-seat turboprop is renowned for its exceptional agility and performance. The PC-9M variant, an enhanced iteration of the original design, offers superior maneuverability, making it an ideal choice for the team’s daring aerobatic displays. With a blend of cutting-edge technology and the pilots’ extraordinary skill, the team delivers precision and excitement that leave audiences in awe.

The team’s performances feature a dynamic array of maneuvers that highlight both the PC-9M’s versatility and the pilots’ expertise. Their routines include breathtaking vertical rolls, where the aircraft rapidly twists during a steep climb, and inverted flight, requiring pinpoint control while flying upside down. The visually striking knife-edge pass sees the plane slicing through the sky with its wings perpendicular to the ground, while high-G classics like loops and Cuban eights trace smooth arcs and figure-eights overhead. More dramatic moves, such as the tail slide—where the aircraft stalls vertically and slides backward before recovery—and the hammerhead turn, with its sharp pivot at the apex of a climb, showcase their boldness. The precise four-point roll and the high-stakes spin, a controlled descent from a spiraling drop, round out a repertoire that underscores their technical mastery and flair.

Since their formation, the team has grown into a symbol of national pride and aeronautical excellence. Their skill has been recognized with prestigious accolades, including best display honors at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) in 2015 and 2017—awards from one of the world’s premier military air shows. These achievements reflect their commitment to perfection and their ability to captivate global audiences, solidifying their place among Europe’s top solo aerobatic units and elevating the profile of Slovenian aviation on the international stage.

The Pilatus PC-9M is a single-engine, low-wing tandem-seat turboprop training aircraft developed by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland. Conceived as an advanced successor to the PC-7, the PC-9 took its maiden flight in May 1985, achieving type certification just four months later, with deliveries beginning that same year. Unlike its predecessor, the PC-9M shares minimal structural commonality, featuring an enlarged cockpit and a ventral airbrake for enhanced control. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-62 engine producing 1,150 shaft horsepower, it offers exceptional performance for its class. During the mid-1980s, Pilatus partnered with British Aerospace to promote the aircraft, securing its first production order from the Royal Saudi Air Force.

Introduced in the 1990s, the PC-9M variant brought significant upgrades, including an enlarged dorsal fin for improved longitudinal stability, refined wingroot fairings, and modernized engine and propeller controls. Its versatility shines through with the option to fit six underwing hardpoints, enabling it to carry bombs, rockets, and gun pods for light attack roles alongside its primary training mission. The aircraft’s robust design and adaptability have made it a favorite among air forces worldwide, cementing its reputation as a reliable and capable platform in military aviation.

The Hudournik variant of the PC-9M represents a tailored evolution, specifically enhanced for Slovenia by RADOM Aviation in Israel. This version retains the core attributes of the PC-9M but adds six underwing hardpoints for a variety of munitions, blending advanced training capabilities with light attack functionality. Named “Swift” in Slovenian, the Hudournik showcases the aircraft’s agility and power, with its modifications reflecting a bespoke approach to meeting operational needs. Its distinctive adaptations highlight the PC-9M’s flexibility, allowing it to excel in diverse roles while maintaining its roots as a premier training aircraft.

Slovenia acquired its fleet in two phases—three aircraft in 1995 and an additional nine in November 1998—resulting in eleven PC-9s, nine of which are the upgraded Hudournik model. Modified by RADOM Aviation in Israel, these aircraft feature six underwing hardpoints, enabling them to carry over 1,000 kg of ordnance, including Mk82 bombs, AIM-9L missiles, gun pods, and 2.75-inch unguided rockets. This dual-role capability supports both advanced pilot training and light attack missions.

Since entering service in 1995, the PC-9M Hudournik has been a cornerstone of Slovenia’s military aviation, stationed at Cerklje ob Krki for missions like close air support, convoy protection, slow movers intercept, and armed reconnaissance. The aircraft’s versatility and robust performance have ensured its longevity, with the Slovenian Air Force maintaining the fleet in active duty for nearly three decades. Its distinctive camouflage scheme, paired with the skill of its pilots, has made it a recognizable presence in Slovenia’s defense strategy, balancing training and operational readiness.

• Global Versatility: The PC-9M serves as a trainer for air forces like the Royal Australian Air Force and Slovenian Air Force, which also uses it for light attack missions.
• Combat Capability: Equipped with underwing hardpoints, the PC-9M can carry rocket pods and machine guns, enabling it for light combat roles beyond training.
• Advanced Cockpit: It features a modern glass cockpit with primary and multi-function displays, offering pilots cutting-edge avionics for training and operations.
• Aerobatic Prowess: Known for agility, the PC-9 is flown by teams like the Croatian Air Force Krila Oluje, showcasing its impressive performance in aerobatic displays.
• Safety Design: Its stepped cockpit enhances instructor visibility, and both seats have ejection seats, ensuring safety during training flights.