Versatility on Display: Textron Aviation’s Special Missions Aircraft Head to Paris

Textron Aviation will return to the Paris Air Show as the industry leader with over 1,700 Cessna and Beechcraft turbine aircraft in Europe and more than 255,000 aircraft delivered worldwide. As a whole, the region is home to more than 450 Beechcraft King Airs, 860 Cessna Citation business jets and 170 Cessna Caravans. In France, nearly 200 Cessna and Beechcraft turbine aircraft support a wide variety of missions for commercial, government and military customers .

From June 16-19, Textron Aviation will showcase the following aircraft on display in the Textron Pavilion A2:

Beechcraft King Air Military Multi-Engine Training System

The Military Multi-Engine Training System (METS) modernizes aircrew training for the U.S. Navy and has been selected for Canada’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. Key features include TACAN (air-to-air), angle of attack indicators, V/UHF radio, a digital audio system, engine trend monitoring, condition-based maintenance plus, an observer/jump seat, passenger mission seats, full-face oxygen masks, and the Outerlink IRIS system, which provides audio, data, and video recording of training missions. Designed for multi-mission flexibility, the King Air 260C includes a cargo door preferred for air ambulance and freight operations.

Beechcraft King Air Multi-Mission Demonstration Aircraft

The multi-mission Beechcraft King Air demonstration aircraft is making its show and European debut at the Paris Air Show. This aircraft is equipped to showcase a wide range of missions available on the versatile and reliable Beechcraft King Air 360.The aircraft will be on display Monday, June 16 through Thursday, June 19, at the Textron pavilion A2 to offer military delegations, government agencies and aviation enthusiasts a first look at the company’s iconic twin turboprop.

The aircraft is fitted with extended range (ER) fuel tanks, factory-installed wing hardpoint provisions and a cargo door that supports air ambulance and freight operations, enhancing mission flexibility.

Powered by PT6A-67A engines with dual oil coolers, the aircraft offers improved hot/high airfield performance as well as improvements in climb performance and cruising speeds. A factory extended utility nose capable of housing a variety of different sensors up to a 20-inch EO/IR sensor with a lift kit to retract them. The cockpit is compatible with Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS). Interior features include a mission rack with displays and a mission computer, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) VIP seating, AvFab and LifePort mission seats, and a LifePort medevac stretcher.

The Beechcraft King Air aircraft on display are designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company.

Additionally, Leonardo will showcase the Aermacchi M-346 at the Leonardo pavilion B6. Textron Aviation Defense, in collaboration with Leonardo, is offering the M-346N integrated training system as a ready-now, low-risk solution for the U.S. Navy Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) program. The M-346 is a jet aircraft optimized for advanced military pilot training, offering a broad range of training capabilities combined with long-term reliability. At the heart of a complex and integrated training system, the M-346 is already in service with the air forces of Italy, Singapore, Israel, Poland, Qatar and Greece.

A Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft will make an appearance in the Aviation Sans Frontières pavilion. With the Cessna Caravan, Aviation Sans Frontières leverages aviation to deliver humanitarian aid, medical support, and logistical assistance to communities in need around the world.