World’s Most Proven Military Training Program Reaches One Million Flight Hours, 500th Delivery

Hawker Beechcraft reaches milestones in T-6 military trainer program

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) and its predecessor companies have a proud heritage of trainer aircraft history, delivering military training aircraft to governments around the world since the 1930s. HBC achieved milestones recently when the T- 6 reached one million flight hours and in the delivery of the 500th T-6 airplane – the world’s most proven military training aircraft. Flight hours were accumulated by the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, NATO Flight Training in Canada, Hellenic Air Force of Greece and HBC. The 500th aircraft was delivered to the U.S. Government.

“The strength of our government business sector at Hawker Beechcraft is essential in this tough economic environment,” said Jim Maslowski, president, U.S. and International Government Business. “Delivering our 500th T-6 trainer and reaching one million flight hours are great achievements and a testament to the quality of the products and services we provide and our commitment to our customer’s satisfaction. There are not many aircraft programs that reach milestones of this stature. We congratulate all involved in making these achievements possible.”

The Beechcraft T-6 offers governments worldwide the most proven and most cost-effective training system available today. The T-6 is a primary trainer aircraft that accommodates instruction in instrument flight procedures and basic aerial maneuvers. The aircraft delivers an outstanding training program that includes more than 155 hours of flight training and weapons delivery training. To date, it has been used to train pilots in approximately 20 different countries. In 1995, the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force awarded HBC’s predecessor the contract for the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS). Since then, the company has delivered 447 T- 6A aircraft to the U.S. Government, supporting its mission of training excellence. Overall, the JPATS program calls for the delivery of nearly 800 aircraft with associated training devices through 2017. Support for the aircraft will continue through 2050.

The T-6A is currently in service under additional contracts worldwide, including the Hellenic Air Force of Greece and the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) program as a primary, weapons and navigation trainer. Overall, 45 aircraft have been delivered to the Hellenic Air Force and 26 T-6A aircraft have been delivered to the NFTC.

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.