Hawker Beechcraft T-6 Military Trainer Platform Reaches Two Million Flight Hours

Hawker Beechcraft Defense Company (HBDC) today announced its worldwide fleet of Beechcraft T-6 military trainer aircraft exceeded two million flight hours in June.

“We can think of no better endorsement that the Beechcraft T-6 platform is the world’s most versatile and capable, integrated pilot training system than to reach the 2 million flight hour milestone just a dozen years after the first aircraft entered service,” said Russ Bartlett, HBDC vice president, Business Development. “The fleet includes 765 T-6 aircraft, including derivatives that provide military organizations around the globe with the most proven and most cost-effective training available today.”

Deliveries of the T-6 began in 2000 after the aircraft was initially selected to fill the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System role for the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy. Since then, additional military programs worldwide, including NATO Flying Training in Canada, the Hellenic Air Force of Greece, the Israeli Air Force, the Iraqi Air Force, the Royal Moroccan Air Force and the Mexican Air Force, have chosen the T-6 and its derivatives as their primary trainers. The T-6 has been used to train pilots, navigators and weapons systems operators from approximately 20 different countries.

In addition to accommodating instruction in instrument flight procedures and basic aerial maneuvers, the T-6 delivers world-class training capability that is appropriate for teaching the most basic introductory flight training tasks through the more challenging and complex advanced training missions that could previously be accomplished only in far more expensive jet aircraft.

Derivatives include the T-6A, T-6B and T-6C. The T-6B is an advanced version of the T-6A. To replicate today’s high-tech frontline aircraft, the cockpit includes a Heads-Up Display (HUD), Up-Front Control Panel (UFCP), and a Hands-On Throttle and Stick (HOTAS). An integrated glass cockpit and a state-of-the-art avionics suite greatly expands its training capabilities, enabling advanced systems and information management skills training. The T-6C variant maintains avionics similarity with the T-6B while incorporating a hard-point wing for external fuel tanks, weapons and other stores.

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special mission, light attack 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 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.