Beechcraft wins new JPATS T-6 training aircraft deal
Beechcraft will supply 35 T-6 training aircraft to the US military under a new contract announced on 10 May. The $210 million contract, part of the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) procurement programme, includes an option for two additional aircraft.
This contract represents the 19th lot of T-6 aircraft ordered by the US Air Force (USAF) and the US Navy under JPATS. The order will see Beechcraft deliver 33 T-6 aircraft to the US Navy and two for the US Army.
Russ Bartlett, president, Beechcraft Defense Company, said: ‘The signing of this latest production lot of our JPATS contract underscores the trusted partnership between Beechcraft and the US government, which continues to rely on us to deliver and support their fleet as we have for the past 13 years.’
The T-6 military trainer provides operators with instruction in flying basics, instrument flight procedures and acrobatic manoeuvres. The aircraft is versatile and flexible, able to teach flight training tasks across the spectrum from introductory flight training tasks to the more challenging and complex advanced training missions.
T-6 models include the original JPATS-winning T-6A, the navy’s T-6B and a third variant called the T-6C. The T-6B and C are advanced versions of the T-6A with updated cockpit avionics. The new cockpit includes a Heads-Up Display, Up-Front Control Panel, three-colour Multi-function Displays and Hands-On Throttle and Stick. The integrated glass cockpit and advanced avionics suite greatly expands its capabilities, enabling the advanced systems and information management skills training required in current and future military aircraft. The T-6C variant maintains avionics similarity with the T-6B while incorporating a hard-point wing to allow carriage of external fuel tanks, weapons and other stores.
Deliveries under this order will be complete by February 2015.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Denmark places $184 million contract for Naval Strike Missiles]()
Denmark places $184 million contract for Naval Strike Missiles
The missiles are being purchased through a government-to-government sale with Norway and will be operated from Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates.
-
![Navantia combat systems selected for Chinese-built Thai LPD]()
Navantia combat systems selected for Chinese-built Thai LPD
The landing platform dock, believed to be the largest naval vessel that China has exported, will see the Chinese-built vessel embrace Western technology.
-
![Why USNORTHCOM would struggle to defeat China in the Arctic]()
Why USNORTHCOM would struggle to defeat China in the Arctic
Not having enough naval and C4ISR capabilities to patrol and monitor the region would the US at risk in a conflict with China in the Arctic region.
-
![Singapore to add two more submarines to fleet as it hikes defence spending]()
Singapore to add two more submarines to fleet as it hikes defence spending
Singapore’s army and navy look set to benefit from increases in the country’s defence budget, with submarines and IFVs on the shopping list.
-
![How will NATO’s Baltic Sentry work to protect undersea cables in the Baltic Sea?]()
How will NATO’s Baltic Sentry work to protect undersea cables in the Baltic Sea?
The rise in incidents of damage to subsea cabling in the Baltic Seahas driven NATO to commit to bolstering the action of local navies. But how effective can it be?
-
![GAO recommends better oversight of support for shipyards in the face of capacity concerns]()
GAO recommends better oversight of support for shipyards in the face of capacity concerns
The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) believes the US industrial base will struggle to meet US Navy (USN) requirements. This follows recent warnings from USN heads of a decline in resources and that the industrial base is under strain.
