French military to use U.S. trainer planes

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DULUTH, Minn., Aug. 24 (UPI) -- U.S. company Cirrus Aircraft reports its SR20 and SR22 single-engine aircraft are to be used in training pilots of the French armed forces.

Cirrus Aircraft, a subsidiary of China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co. Ltd, said the planes were selected by Cassidian Aviation Training Services of France in a public tender for the French air force and navy.

"To respond to the tender for Salon de Provence, we studied the best solutions to fit the needs of the French air force," said Laurent Blattner, chief executive officer of CATS.

"With regards to performance, the Cirrus SR20 and SR22 are the most appropriate aircraft to meet the current needs of the French air force and also the most versatile for the future."

The SR20 and SR22 seat four, including the pilot, and have non-retractable landing gear. They feature a parachute system for lowering the aircraft to the ground in an emergency.

Cirrus said 13 SR20s will be provided for training pilots at the French air force base of Salon de Provence. Seven Cirrus SR22s will be dedicated to training flights of navigation and weapon systems officers.

The Ecole Navale will receive three SR20s under the arrangement between CATS and Cirrus' French subsidiary.

"The French air force and CATS are committed to the highest quality of flight training. Cirrus Vice President, Global Fleet and Special Mission Aircraft Sales, Jon Dauplaise said. "By using our SR20s and SR22s -- aircraft that set the standards for training and advanced performance -- they are setting the standard for the highest quality air force."