Hawker Beechcraft Conducts AT-6 Operational Assessment Test

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) has conducted an operational assessment (OA) test of AT-6 light attack and armed reconnaissance (LAAR) aircraft.

The US Air Force (USAF) and Air National Guard (ANG) pilots participated in the OA, which was conducted from 28 September to 15 October at Davis-Monthan’s Snowbird facility.

HBC president of US and international government business Jim Maslowski said the assessment not only allowed the company to showcase the capabilities of the aircraft, but also helps it gather feedback from the pilots.

During the test, the USAF and ANG assessor pilots participated in classroom and cockpit ground training, and preparatory and evaluation flights.

The AT-6 LAAR aircraft will also drop 25lb BDU-33 and 500lb BDU-50 training rounds as part of an upcoming weapons testing.

Based on the model of T-6 A/B Texan trainer aircraft, the AT-6 LAAR aircraft is equipped with a more powerful engine, self-protection mechanisms, multiple secure communications functions and advanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.