Thu, Dec 10, 2009
Single-Seat Fighter Transformed Into Two-Place Aircraft
A D-model F-18 Hornet modified by Patria successfully performed
its first 51-minute flight on December 3rd, 2009 in Jamsa, Finland.
This (now) two-place aircraft is repaired and modified from a
single-seat C-model F-18 Hornet badly damaged in a mid-air
collision. The Patria-made repairs have taken some 100,000
man-hours. The airplane was rolled out in September.
Patria says the project is an example of how well Patria's
international cooperation and partnerships work in the F-18 world.
"The project has deepened Finnish expertise in the structures and
systems of the F-18 aircraft. I am convinced that, with our
technical know-how we create opportunities for future success
stories," states Jukka Holkeri, Executive Vice President, Patria's
Aviation Business Unit.
On 8 November 2001, two F-18 Hornet fighters from the Satakunta
Air Command collided while on a night flight exercise to the
south-east of Lappajarvi. One aircraft crashed and its pilot
ejected, while the other badly damaged aircraft limped back to the
Pirkkala base on one engine. Both pilots were unharmed. During the
repair project, the front fuselage of a twin-seater, bought
second-hand from Canada, was attached to the Finnish aircraft.
"The project was an excellent example of how well international
cooperation and partnership works in the F-18 world. I would like
to take this opportunity to thank the Finnish Air Force, the US
Navy and The Boeing Company in addition to the Canadian party for
their support," Holkeri said.
"Restoring the damaged aircraft became significantly cheaper for
us than purchasing a new one. Furthermore, we now have the
twin-seater aircraft we needed and therefore benefit of the project
in many ways," says Major General Jarmo Lindberg, Commander of the
Finnish Air Force.
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