Textron poised to renew support for Argentine trainer aircraft
T-6C+ Texan II trainer aircraft. (Photo: Argentine Air Force)
Proposed follow-on T-6 aircraft support would help Argentina to revamp its trainer aircraft capabilities, says US State Department.
Argentina is set to receive follow-on sustainment and support for its T-6 Texan aircraft fleet from Textron Aviation Defense via a $73 million FMS deal, pending final approval from Congress.
The proposed follow-on T-6 aircraft support would help Argentina to ‘revitalize’ its trainer aircraft capabilities and ‘aid in the overall development of a professional pilot corps’, the US State Department noted in an 8 April statement.
Various hardware and software modifications are included in the FMS request, such as airframe and avionics improvements for reliability and integration of training munitions and external fuel tanks; aircraft and engine support equipment; components, consumables and spare parts; plus contractor engineering, technical, and logistical support services.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that Argentina in 2017 ordered 12 T-6C+ Texan IIs for $167 million, including spares and support equipment, to replace the EMB-312 Tucano.
Ten of the T-6C+ aircraft remain in service.
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