ENAER Partners with Astronautics Corp to Launch an Advanced Avionics System for PILLAN II Trainer
April 3, 2025 – In a significant stride for military aviation, the Empresa Nacional de Aeronáutica de Chile (ENAER) has chosen Astronautics Corporation of America, based in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, to create a state-of-the-art avionics system for the PILLAN II basic trainer aircraft.
The new avionics configuration includes a comprehensive glass cockpit that will greatly assist student pilots in transitioning to more complex aircraft models. The system is anchored by Astronautics’ Badger Pro + Gen 2.0 multifunction displays (MFDs), featuring two screens in both the front and rear cockpit. These displays will provide critical flight data, engine monitoring metrics, alerts for the crew, and a video interface for instructional purposes. Flanking the MFDs, the Avidyne IFD 550 flight management system offers GPS navigation, communication capabilities, and synthetic vision technology, all while ensuring compatibility with night vision systems.
“Astronautics is excited to contribute our system integration expertise to the PILLAN II project, delivering a robust yet customized avionics solution,” stated Eytan Saletsky, director of system solutions at Astronautics. “The Chilean Air Force will benefit from a modern avionics system that ensures an effective transition for their student pilots to subsequent aircraft in their trainer programs and future operational duties.”
Comprehensive Features of the Avionics System
The avionics package will also encompass air data heading and reference units, GPS and radio navigation systems, surveillance features including ADS-B In and Out, an engine data acquisition system, and VHF communication radios within a digital audio management framework. A full suite digital video, audio, and data recorder will finalize the system.
Astronautics plans to integrate, test, and validate the avionics setup in its Systems Integration Lab prior to its installation on the prototype aircraft in Chile. ENAER will handle the aircraft integration and conduct flight testing, with Astronautics providing support for airworthiness acceptance evaluations. Under the terms of the contract, ENAER will deliver a total of 33 PILLAN II aircraft to the Chilean Air Force (FACh), aimed at replacing their aging fleet of T-35 trainers.
The PILLAN II development initiative entails stages of adaptation, implementation, and testing, with three avionics shipsets scheduled for delivery to the prototype for ground testing between 2025 and 2026, and flight testing set for 2027. The serial production of 30 aircraft is planned from 2028-2030.
For more information about this groundbreaking project, you can refer to the Original Article.
