The first demonstrator aircraft of Hawker Beechcraft’s AT-6 light attack aircraft trainer is undergoing flight testing.
AT-6 is a structurally strengthened derivative of the T-6A/B/C military trainer aircraft.
The derivative trainer will facilitate quick transition of pilots from basic flight training missions to complex NetCentric light attack and armed reconnaissance missions.
HBC US and International Government Business president Jim Maslowski said the AT-6 is a US made solution designed to meet training, light attack and armed reconnaissance needs for irregular warfare and building partner capacity initiatives.
Mission systems integration on the first AT-6 aircraft will be performed in concert with Lockheed.
The aircraft will complete aerodynamic handling quality and flight envelope expansion testing by late 2009 and additional mission system integration and testing will follow.
The second prototype aircraft will be fitted with a new, higher-horsepower PT-6A-68/10 engine for improved performance and initial flight testing will begin in early 2010.
