T-6C aircraft

Beechcraft has been awarded a contract for delivery of additional T-6C+ military trainer aircraft to the Mexican Air Force (FAM).
 
Covering six aircraft, the deal represents a follow-on contract to an initial contract awarded by FAM for an equal number of aircraft in January 2012, to help replace its ageing PC-7 Turbo trainer jets fleet.
 
Beechcraft Defense Company president Russ Bartlett said the follow-on order demonstrates how the T-6 is benefiting and is successfully utilised by customers worldwide.
 
”We are pleased to help the FAM grow its military training fleet and look forward to continuing to expand our relationship over the coming years,” Bartlett said.
 
The FAM is currently negotiating a second contract, which covers two years of parts support and the placement of field service representatives, who will provide technical expertise and training to maintenance personnel, according to the company.
 
An upgraded variant of the Hawker T-6 military trainer aircraft used by the US Air Force (USAF) and Navy, the T-6C+ is designed to carry external stores and deliver practice weapons for training purposes.

"The T-6C+ is designed to carry external stores and deliver practice weapons for training purposes."

Equipped with hard-point wings, heads-up display, up-front control panel, an integrated glass cockpit and an advanced Esterline CMC cockpit 4000 avionics suite, the aircraft is being used by FAM for intermediate to advanced tactics, including air-to-ground weapons employment capabilities and training.
 
The aircraft also features a hands-on throttle and stick (HOTAS), which offers a simpler interface to the digital cockpit, allowing the student pilot and instructor to access critical cockpit function.
 
The newly ordered aircraft are scheduled to be delivered to an advanced training base in Mexico’s northern region in late 2013, following receipt of required export licenses.
 
In addition to the US army, the T-6 aircraft is also used as a primary trainer for the air forces of Greece, Israel, Iraq, Morocco and the Nato Flying Training in Canada.


Image: The T-6C+ is an upgraded variant of the US Air Force’s Hawker T-6 military trainer aircraft. Photo: courtesy of USAF Master Sgt. David Richard.

Defence Technology