Hawker Beechcraft Scores T-6C Trainer Order from Mexico

Rebounding from the exclusion of its AT-6 turboprop from the U.S. Air Force’s Light Air Support (LAS) competition, Hawker Beechcraft announced on January 9 the first sale of its T-6C+ military trainer, to the Mexican Air Force.

The T-6C+ derivative with wing hard-points can carry external stores and deliver practice weapons for training purposes. It is fitted with the same Esterline CMC Cockpit 4000 integrated avionics suite as developed for the AT-6. The Cockpit 4000 system is the first in its class to incorporate dual integrated flight management system/GPS navigation certified by the U.S. FAA and meet required navigation performance standards, Hawker Beechcraft said.

The first two T-6C+ trainers will be delivered early this year to begin replacing the Mexican air force’s Pilatus PC-7 trainers. “We look forward to providing the Mexican Air Force with the highly effective, ultra-reliable and low-maintenance Beechcraft T-6C+,” said Jim Maslowski, Hawker Beechcraft Defense president. “We see this sale of six aircraft as just the beginning of a long and productive relationship,” he continued.

The T-6 and derivatives have been selected as primary trainers by NATO Flying Training in Canada and the Greek, Israeli, Iraqi and Royal Moroccan air forces. Hawker Beechcraft says it has delivered more than 700 T-6C variants.


Source: By Bill Carey,13 January 2012 - AIN Defense Perspective (www.ainonline.com)

Photo: Hawker Beechcraft logged the first order of its T-6C+ military trainer, to the Mexican Air Force. (Photo: Hawker Beechcraft)

(1/13/2012)