WICHITA, Kan. (Sept. 3, 2009) – Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) today announced the delivery of its first two T-6B aircraft, the avionics upgrade variant of the highly successful T-6A trainer, to the U.S. Navy. The Navy took possession of the aircraft (designated PN-1 and PN-2) at HBC’s headquarters in Wichita, Kan. From Wichita, the aircraft were flown to Whiting Field in Florida. The Navy is expected to acquire more than 260 T-6B aircraft to replace the aging T-34 fleet.
“The T-6B aircraft represent the future of Navy primary pilot training,” said Jim Maslowski, president, U.S. and International Government Business. “We are pleased with our partnership with the U.S. Navy and proud to supply this training aircraft for military student pilots.”
Full rate production of the T-6B avionics upgrade and flight training for the initial cadre of Navy pilots began at the HBC facility in Wichita, Kan., following Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification. Deliveries of Navy aircraft will continue in December 2009, with 15 T-6B aircraft delivered by April 2010 for Initial Operating Capability for Navy student pilot training.
The T-6B avionics upgrade combines the best of the highly successful T-6A primary trainer, in use today by the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy, with a glass cockpit configuration that includes three multi-function displays, hands-on-throttle-and-stick functionality, and Head-Up Display. The T-6B provides primary pilot training with enhanced capabilities in air-to-air and air-to-ground mission areas.
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.
