On This Day In Aviation History

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𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲
On this day 56 years ago the Pilatus PC-7 prototype performed its first flight.
The Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer is a low-wing tandem-seat training aircraft designed and manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland. The aircraft is capable of all basic training functions including aerobatics, instrument, tactical and night flying.
The PC-7 was developed from the preceding Pilatus P-3, largely differing by the adoption of a turboprop engine, a bubble canopy, and a new one-piece wing. Introduced during the 1970s, it has since developed a sizable presence in the global trainer market. The type has been adopted by in excess of 20 air forces as their ab initio trainer, as well as multiple civilian operators. Over one million hours have reportedly been flown by PC-7s worldwide. In addition to training operations, some aircraft are armed and have been used for combat missions by several customers, including Chad, Iran, and Mexico, often in violation of the relevant export agreement between the customer and the Swiss government.
An improved model of the aircraft, the PC-7 Mk II, was developed during the 1990s by combining the newer PC-9's airframe and avionics with the PC-7's smaller turbine engine. Reportedly, in excess of 500 PC-7s have been sold to various operators, the majority of which still being in service. In Pilatus' line-up, the PC-7 has been succeeded by the newer PC-9 and PC-21 trainers.

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On this date in 1990 the Sukhoi SU-34 Сухой (NATO reporting name Fullback) flew for the first time.

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On this date in 1966 Boeing announced an order for 25 model 747 jetliners from Pan American Airlines worth $525 million.

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On this date in 1986 Operation EL Dorado Canyon began.

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On this date in 1981 Space Shuttle Columbia, flying as STS-1, landed at Edwards AFB after completing the first space flight of the Space Shuttle program.

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On this day in 1952 the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress flew for the first time. Happy 70th birthday BUFF!

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On this day in 1935 the Douglas TBD Devastator flew for the first time.

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On this date in 1943 the first production model Boeing B-29 Superfortress rolled out of Boeing's Wichita assembly plant.

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On this date in 1965 the Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma flew for the first time.

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On this date in 1943 USAAF 335th Fighter Squadron P-47C Thunderbolts tangle with Luftwaffe fighters for the first time. The score was tied 3-3 afterward.