Beechcraft wins new JPATS T-6 training aircraft deal
Beechcraft will supply 35 T-6 training aircraft to the US military under a new contract announced on 10 May. The $210 million contract, part of the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) procurement programme, includes an option for two additional aircraft.
This contract represents the 19th lot of T-6 aircraft ordered by the US Air Force (USAF) and the US Navy under JPATS. The order will see Beechcraft deliver 33 T-6 aircraft to the US Navy and two for the US Army.
Russ Bartlett, president, Beechcraft Defense Company, said: ‘The signing of this latest production lot of our JPATS contract underscores the trusted partnership between Beechcraft and the US government, which continues to rely on us to deliver and support their fleet as we have for the past 13 years.’
The T-6 military trainer provides operators with instruction in flying basics, instrument flight procedures and acrobatic manoeuvres. The aircraft is versatile and flexible, able to teach flight training tasks across the spectrum from introductory flight training tasks to the more challenging and complex advanced training missions.
T-6 models include the original JPATS-winning T-6A, the navy’s T-6B and a third variant called the T-6C. The T-6B and C are advanced versions of the T-6A with updated cockpit avionics. The new cockpit includes a Heads-Up Display, Up-Front Control Panel, three-colour Multi-function Displays and Hands-On Throttle and Stick. The integrated glass cockpit and advanced avionics suite greatly expands its capabilities, enabling the advanced systems and information management skills training required in current and future military aircraft. The T-6C variant maintains avionics similarity with the T-6B while incorporating a hard-point wing to allow carriage of external fuel tanks, weapons and other stores.
Deliveries under this order will be complete by February 2015.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs]()
South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs
HHI and Hanwha Ocean outline highly autonomous and unmanned-enabled designs as the ROKN explores force structure for the 2030s and beyond.
-
![South Korean shipbuilders showcase export ambitions amid ongoing KDDX delays]()
South Korean shipbuilders showcase export ambitions amid ongoing KDDX delays
Hyundai and Hanwha recently unveiled advanced frigate and submarine designs while South Korea eyes new export markets and resolves internal rivalries
-
![US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026]()
US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026
The FY26 Homeland Security Bill Markup of the House Committee on Appropriations included resources for the procurement of ships, aircraft and unmanned systems.
-
![US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs]()
US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs
The Office of Naval Research will host an Industry Engagement Day in August aiming at building new partnerships and advancing its science and technology initiatives in multiple areas.
-
![Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy]()
Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy
Under the most recent contract, the US Navy will receive four additional AN/SPY-6(V) radars, increasing the number of radars under contract to 42. The radars are considered key for expanding the navy’s capability for air defence.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer]()
Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer
The sixth Canada’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship is currently at the final stages of construction within Irving Shipbuilding.
