Hawker Beechcraft Shows Continued Strength in T-6 Trainer through International Orders

During the Dubai Airshow this week, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) touted the continued strength and success of its Beechcraft T-6 military trainer with 2009 orders of 59 aircraft from international customers. This year, HBC has received orders from Israel, Iraq and Morocco for T-6 aircraft, ground based training systems, logistic support and defense services.

“The T-6 is the world’s premier integrated pilot training solution and the most affordable trainer available today,” said Jim Maslowski, president, U.S. and International Government Business. “The advanced technology of the trainer mirrors the systems and capabilities of today’s front-line military aircraft. We are pleased with the positive response we’ve received and look forward to continued interest from international customers looking to modernize their military pilot trainer forces.”

HBC’s most recent contract is for 24 of its new T-6C trainer aircraft to the Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF), representing the company’s first sale of its significantly improved T-6C trainer. Like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified T-6B for the U.S. Navy, the T-6C features an integrated glass cockpit and advanced avionics suite that greatly expands advanced training opportunities. The upgraded, integrated Esterline CMC Cockpit 4000 avionics suite includes an Integrated Avionics Computer, a Head-Up Display, Up Front Control Panel, six Multifunction Displays, Inertial Reference Unit, Digital Video Recorder/Data Transfer System, Radar Altimeter and on-board synthetic training, such as No-Drop Bomb Scoring. These systems are integrated with a Hands-On Throttle and Stick, providing the student pilot and instructor with an easy interface to the digital cockpit. The CMC Cockpit 4000 avionics suite is the first in its class to incorporate a fully integrated and FAA-certified dual FMS/GPS navigation suite that meets the strictest required navigation performance standards of current and future national and worldwide airspace equipment requirements. The open architecture design of the Cockpit 4000 provides the flexibility to expand capabilities and continuously meet current and future training needs.

The T-6C will provide the RMAF with a single aircraft solution for training their fighter, transport and helicopter pilots. It will replace the RMAF’s current T-34 basic trainer and Cessna T-37 jet trainers, reducing fuel requirements by 66 percent. The T-6C advanced cockpit and systems will enable the RMAF to download training hours from their Alpha Jets, which will dramatically lower operating costs.

Since the first deliveries in 2000, HBC has delivered more than 550 T-6 aircraft and 94 aircrew training devices to various major training installations throughout the world. The aircraft are currently in service as the U.S. military’s Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) aircraft, as well as the primary trainer for the NATO Flying Training Canada program, the Hellenic Air Force of Greece and the Israeli Air Force. HBC also has a contract with the Iraqi Air Force, with first deliveries planned for this December. Additionally, the U.S. Navy recently started receiving T-6B aircraft and is expected to acquire more than 260 of the aircraft by 2015 to replace the aging Beechcraft T-34 fleet as its primary trainer.

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special mission and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; Chester, England, U.K.; and Chihuahua, Mexico. The company leads the industry with a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com.