Fri, Sep 11, 2009
Accelerated Testing Next On The Agenda
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC)
announced the successful first flight of its AT-6 prototype
Thursday, as well as the program's progression into the next phase
of flight test. The AT-6 prototype is a structurally strengthened
derivative of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy T 6A/B trainer.
"We are very optimistic about the role the AT-6 will play for
the warfighter - both in the U.S. and in partner air forces around
the world," said Bill Boisture, HBC chairman and CEO. "This is
going to be a great airplane and I am pleased with the rapid pace
we are moving through our planned test program. We are almost three
weeks ahead of schedule. We believe the AT-6 offers the broadest
range capabilities available in the market and that is why we
continue to invest in its future today.
Hawker AT-6 Artist's Concept
The AT-6 is designed to be able to quickly transition pilots
between basic flight training missions and complex NetCentric light
attack and armed reconnaissance missions. The next phase of flight
testing will last through October, during which the company will
continue flight envelope expansion of the heavily instrumented AT-6
prototype, along with performance and handling qualities
assessments with various external store configurations.
Hawker AT-6 Artist's Concept
The Hawker Beechcraft T-6 derivative fleet recently passed the
one million flight hour mark and 500th delivery with aircraft
currently being flown by the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, Hellenic
Air Force of Greece, NATO Flying Training in Canada and the Israeli
Air Force. T-6 trainers for the Iraqi Air Force are currently in
production in Wichita, KS, and are slated for delivery to Iraq
beginning later this year.
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