Textron firms up potential bid for US Navy Undergraduate trainer contract
The Beechcraft M-346N aircraft is a twin-engine, tandem-seat aircraft. (Photo: Textron Aviation Defence)
The company has said it would assemble its Beechcraft M-346N aircraft at its east Wichita campus with significant investment placed to modernise the hub if it wins the contract.
Textron Aviation Defense has announced plans for the assembly of its M-346N aircraft to be the company’s east Wichita campus, if selected for the US Navy (USN) Undergraduate Jet Training contract.
The company anticipates investing more than US$38 million to modernise the 50,000ft2 manufacturing space of its east Wichita campus.
The training contract for the USN is set to replace its ageing T-45C fleet with a Request for Proposal (RfP) estimated to be published by the end of 2025. In March, the USN removed the landing requirement for the new jet trainer to perform carrier landings.
Shephard Defence Insight
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)]()
NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)
Developed in response to NATO’s needs, NHIndustries’ NH90 remains a cornerstone of European and Middle Eastern fleets – with upgrades planned to extend and improve the capabilities of the versatile and capable platform.
-
![April Drone Digest: Why militaries are rethinking high-end drones]()
April Drone Digest: Why militaries are rethinking high-end drones
From France to Romania, there has been a clear shift away from expensive, vulnerable MALE UAVs in April towards lower-cost, expendable systems. Hard lessons from Ukraine and Iran have driven this shift.
-
![Bundeswehr launches loitering munition spending spree with $2.16 billion unassigned]()
Bundeswehr launches loitering munition spending spree with $2.16 billion unassigned
After months of delays, Rheinmetall has inked a €300 million deal with Germany for its FV-014 drone this week as part of a wider framework contract worth €2.4 billion for loitering munition procurement. Shephard looks at how the as-yet-unawarded funds could be spent.
