Finland's air force has selected the Pilatus PC-12 NG single-engine turboprop to replace six Piper Chieftain aircraft.
In a statement, the Finnish Defence Forces say that a €22.5 million ($29.8 million) contract covering six turboprops has been signed with Swiss manufacturer Pilatus.
The aircraft will be deployed in a liaison role. Deliveries are expected to commence at the end of 2010.
Citing economic advantgaes, the Finns selected the PC-12NG over the Hawker Beechcraft Kingair B200 after a year of assessment and test flights.
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Certified in March 2008, the NG version of the PC-12 incorporates Honeywell Primus Apex avionics and a redesigned cockpit developed by BMW Group DesignworksUSA.
It also features a more powerful variant of Pratt & Whitney Canada's PT6 engine, the PT6A-67P. The first delivery took place in May 2008.
Source: Flight International