Hawker Beechcraft Defense Company (HBDC) today announced the delivery of the 100th Beechcraft T-6B trainer to the U.S. Navy. The aircraft will be stationed at the Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Milton, Fla. The T-6B has been in successful operation as the U.S. Navy’s military trainer since August, 2009.

“In keeping with HBC’s long-standing tradition of supporting our servicemen and women in peacetime and in conflict, we are honored to be a part of this milestone celebration by delivering PN-100 to the U.S. Navy,” said Jim Maslowski, president, HBDC. “This aircraft is a symbol of our commitment and dedication to the U.S. armed forces and the missions they carry out.”

An advanced version of the T-6A, the T-6B’s cockpit is representative of today’s state-of-the-art combat and combat support aircraft. The cockpit includes a Head-Up Display (HUD), Up-Front Control Panel (UFCP), and Hands-On Throttle and Stick. The T-6B enables advanced systems and information management skills training with a glass cockpit and a tailorable avionics suite.

The Beechcraft T-6 offers military organizations worldwide the most proven and most cost-effective training system available today. The T-6 is a primary trainer aircraft that easily accommodates basic instruction in instrument flight procedures and introductory aerobatic maneuvers but is also capable of many of the most advanced combat training tasks that could previously be accomplished only in far more expensive jet aircraft.

Deliveries of the T-6 began in 2000 after the aircraft was initially selected to fill the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) 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 and the Royal Moroccan Air Force have chosen the T-6 and its derivatives as their primary trainers. To date, the T-6 has been used to train pilots and navigators from approximately 20 different countries.

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 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.