Fri, Sep 04, 2009
U.S. Navy Primary Trainers Delivered This Summer Get Avionics
Upgrade
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) recently achieved a
significant milestone by receiving Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) certification of its T-6B military trainer aircraft. The
T-6B, an avionics upgrade variant of the highly successful T-6A
trainer, will be the primary flight training aircraft of the U.S.
Navy. In addition, this certification provides the foundation for
avionics in the AT-6, which is designed to meet growing warfighter
demand for NetCentric light attack and intelligence, surveillance
and reconnaissance capabilities.
"By 2014, all U.S. military student pilots will be trained in the
T-6," said Jim Maslowski, president, U.S. and International
Government Business. "The T-6 program is solid, and the upgraded
avionics package will provide the military with state-of-the art
equipment to strengthen and enhance the skills and training for
student pilots."
The FAA Technical Standard Order was issued June 25, 2009,
following civil certification of the integrated avionics system by
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) on June 12, 2009. Receipt of
the FAA certification allows HBC to proceed with delivery of the
first two T-6B aircraft to the U.S. Navy. Further deliveries of
Navy aircraft will continue in December 2009, with 15 T-6B aircraft
delivered by April 2010 for Initial Operating Capability and the
start of student pilot training. The Navy is expected to acquire
more than 260 T-6B aircraft to replace the aging T-34 fleet.
The T-6B introduces a state-of-the-art advanced avionics suite
while retaining all of the T6-A's inherent training and flying
characteristics. The T-6B will employ advanced technologies that
include glass cockpit multi-function displays and backup flight
instrument, Heads Up Display, hands-on-throttle-and-stick
functionality, and integrated avionics computers that allow
preliminary weapons training applications for military student
pilots.
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