Ace Pilatus P-2-05 A-126 Yellow/Aluminium (1949)

In the early years of World War II, Pilatus sought the construction rights for an Italian and a German training aircraft. When it became clear that no licensing rights were available, Pilatus decided to develop the training aircraft P-2. The air force desired a training aircraft for two different purposes: a conversion aircraft as a step between the basic trainer and frontline machines, as well as a machine for weapons training, including shooting, bombing, and radio training. Construction of the first prototype began towards the end of 1943. The maiden flight took place on April 27, 1945. After testing the second prototype, a series of 26 P-2.05 conversion aircraft was commissioned in 1946. The air force required an armed training aircraft, leading to the production of the P-2.06 in a series of 26 units in 1948. The P-2 remained in service with the Swiss Air Force until 1981.