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.