From Pillán to Newen: The Evolution of the Chilean Training Aircraft
Four decades is a long time for any aircraft, especially a training aircraft that flies almost daily. During this time, the Chilean T-35 Pillán, developed with Piper's participation, has logged over 300,000 flight hours and trained thousands of pilots in eight countries across America and Europe. But time takes its toll: the fleet of 48 modernized T-35A1s is becoming both physically and mentally obsolete. The T-40 Newen is replacing it, and this represents more than just a new aircraft.
T-35 Pillán
The rollout ceremony on April 7th brought together the country's top leadership at El Bosque Air Base. President José Antonio Cast, ministers, and the Air Force command saw the "00" prototype for the first time—not a flying prototype, but a static test rig. According to Aviacionline, it will be disassembled and shipped abroad—the United States or Brazil are being considered—for structural integrity testing. The first flight will be performed by prototype 01, currently under assembly; ENAER estimates this could happen in 2027.
The T-40 Newen itself is an evolution of the Pillan, but with some caveats. The designers changed almost everything: the wing now features removable winglets, extensive use of carbon fiber, and new avionics. Engine choices include a 315-hp Lycoming AEIO-580-B1A piston engine for full aerobatic performance or a 420-hp Rolls Royce 250-B17F turboprop for a more advanced version, including the potential for light weapons and surveillance sensors. Takeoff weight ranges from 1,38 to 1,59 tons, with a fuel reserve of 2,5 hours, or more than five hours with external tanks. Importantly, the aircraft features Martin Baker Mk17 ejection seats—a standard feature rarely found on trainers of this class.
But the aircraft is only part of the system. According to ENAER, the T-40 Newen is integrated into the "Integrated Training System," which includes simulators with virtual reality elements, mission planning stations, real-time control systems, and advanced debriefing systems. The goal is to bridge the gap between basic training and transition to fourth- and fifth-generation combat aircraft. In other words, from day one, trainees learn to operate interfaces and procedures similar to those encountered on a fighter jet.
The program is designed for 33 production aircraft for the Chilean Air Force. The overall project cost is $142 million, with each aircraft costing approximately $4,3 million. According to Infodefensa, the contract has already been signed, subject to funding being secured. The Chilean Navy, according to the same source, is exploring a turboprop-powered variant as a replacement for its Pilatus PC-7.
There's already international interest. ENAER, as reported by Infodefensa, held presentations for delegations from Egypt, Algeria, Portugal, the Dominican Republic, Paraguay, Uruguay, Guatemala, and Ecuador. Spain, which still operates the first version of the Pillan, is also on the list of potential buyers. A separate story — UK: The British Ministry of Defence announced plans to hold an international tender to replace the Grob 115E Tutor trainers, and an RAF delegation already visited Chile in November 2025 to evaluate the T-40 Newen. According to Pucara.org, ENAER was also in talks with Vietnam.
Why is this important for more than just Chile? The T-40 Newen is a rare example of a country without a giant aircraft manufacturing complex creating not just an aircraft, but an entire training ecosystem. The project involves local engineers, technicians, and suppliers, including small and medium-sized businesses. This is a bid for technological autonomy and long-term independence in the maintenance and development of the fleet.
The first public display of the T-40 Newen will take place at the FIDAE 2026 air show in Santiago—the same venue where the American F-35 is currently being showcased for the first time in South America. This contrast speaks volumes about the ambitions of the Chilean program: if the F-35 represents the pinnacle of technology, the T-40 Newen is the foundation upon which the training of those who will operate it is built.
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