Contract Includes Fully Integrated Flight Training Solution

Beechcraft Corporation's Defense Company has signed two contracts to provide a comprehensive pilot training system for the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). The foundation for the system is 11 Beechcraft T-6C Texan II turboprop military training aircraft. It also includes spare parts, training, logistics and maintenance support.

Beechcraft’s Defense Company and Global Mission Support organizations partnered with Safe Air Limited and CAE as subcontractors on the two contracts. The acquisition contract includes 11 Beechcraft T-6C aircraft, two CAE operational flight training simulators, computer-based training courseware and customized RNZAF pilot training syllabi – all of which are integrated to create a comprehensive leading edge learning management system.  A 30-year logistics support agreement provides turnkey support for the RNZAF flight training operations. The agreement consists of aircraft material support, full flight line and operational maintenance, as well as support and operation of the synthetic training devices.
 
“As the Royal New Zealand Air Force began the process of modernizing its pilot training capabilities, we were able to offer a proven, low-risk and highly capable solution that met their current and future training needs,” said Russ Bartlett, president, Beechcraft Defense Company. “With more than 825 T-6 aircraft in operation around the world, and more than 2.2 million accumulated flight hours, the aircraft has a fully tested and validated airframe fatigue life, plus an advanced avionics capability to facilitate future growth. We’re thrilled with this outstanding team of CAE and Safe Air, both existing providers to the RNZAF, and look forward to getting the program up and running.”
 
The T-6C aircraft and simulators will be based at RNZAF Base Ohakea, where they will support primary through advanced aircrew training before they move on to operational squadrons or the flight instructor course (FIC). The T-6C will replace the Pacific Aerospace CT-4E Airtrainer in the primary phase of the RNZAF Wings Course and FIC training role. It will replace the Beechcraft King Air B200 in the advanced phase of the Wings Course. The aircraft also will be flown by the RNZAF’s formation aerobatic display team made up of senior instructor pilots.
 
The first four Beechcraft T-6C aircraft will be delivered to the RNZAF in November 2014. At that point, the air force will begin validation flying in preparation for integrating the aircraft into pilot training by mid-2015. All 11 T-6C aircraft will be delivered by mid-2015.

(Image provided by Beechcraft)

FMI: www.beechcraft.com