Will Pilot Raytheon Aircraft T-6

From Raytheon...

Fresh from her induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in Dayton (OH), world-renowned aerobatic pilot Patty Wagstaff will perform at the Farnborough International Air Show in Raytheon Aircraft’s T-6 primary trainer.

Wagstaff’s performance will highlight the presence of Raytheon Aircraft’s upgraded T-6B primary trainer on display at Farnborough. The evolutionary T-6B features advanced cockpit management functions employed in the latest front line fighters and includes an open architecture mission computer giving the aircraft a multi-role capability as both a trainer and a light attack aircraft. It retains an 85 percent commonality with the T-6.

Wagstaff is scheduled to be inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame on July 17, along with William Anders, Harriet Quimby and Jack Ridley. The next day she will fly to Farnborough to perform in individual shows Tuesday through Sunday.

Flying in the T-6, which is serving in the US Air Force, US Navy, NATO Flying Training in Canada and the Hellenic Air Force of Greece, Wagstaff will perform a routine that highlights the aircraft’s handling qualities, versatility and safety in both high-speed and low-speed regimes.

The T-6 production line in Wichita is currently the highest-volume military aircraft producer in the world. Raytheon Aircraft’s Government Business unit has delivered more than 250 aircraft since production began in 1999, and the USAF/USN Joint Primary Aircraft Training System program calls for nearly 800 aircraft to be built through the year 2017.

"Patty’s skill and stature as one of the world’s best aerobatic pilots makes her a perfect fit with the T-6," said Jim Schuster, Chairman and CEO of Raytheon Aircraft. "She can demonstrate the full range of this aircraft’s capabilities, and perform an outstanding aerobatic show at the same time. We are very excited to have Patty representing Raytheon Aircraft at the Farnborough International Air Show."

In addition to Wagstaff’s impressive flying credentials – she’s a three-time US National Aerobatic Champion and a six-time member of the US Aerobatic Team – her physical stature plays a role in the T-6 demonstration. At 5-foot, 4-inches tall, Wagstaff demonstrates the T-6’s anthropometric cockpit, which is capable of accommodating pilots as small as 5-feet, 3-inches and 98 pounds, and as large as 6-feet, 4-inches and 240 pounds.

"In every respect the T-6 is an outstanding aircraft," Wagstaff said. "It’s a high-performance trainer capable of primary training as well as additional hours in intermediate training. It has very docile handling characteristics. Plus, I don’t have to sit on a pillow when I fly!"

FMI: www.raytheonaircraft.com