Mexico To Get T-6C+ Trainers From Beechcraft

Beechcraft Corporation today announced a follow-on sale of its Beechcraft T-6C+ military trainer to the Mexican Air Force (FAM).

The T-6C+, an enhanced version of the T-6 military trainer aircraft, is capable of carrying external stores and delivering practice weapons for training purposes.

This order follows an initial order of six T-6C+ aircraft from the FAM in January 2012. The aircraft will be delivered to an advanced training base in Mexico’s northern region in late 2013 after required export licenses are obtained. These six T-6C+ trainers are another step in replacing the FAM’s aging PC-7 fleet.

“This follow-on order demonstrates how customers around the world are successfully utilizing and benefiting from the T-6,” said Russ Bartlett, president, Beechcraft Defense Company. “We are pleased to help the FAM grow its military training fleet and look forward to continuing to expand our relationship over the coming years.”

A second contract is underway to include two years of parts support and the placement of Field Service Representatives who provide technical expertise and training to FAM maintenance personnel.

The T-6C+ features hard-point wings, Heads-Up Display, Up-Front Control Panel, an integrated glass cockpit and an advanced Esterline CMC Cockpit 4000 avionics suite that greatly expands advanced training opportunities. The systems are integrated with a Hands-On Throttle and Stick (HOTAS), providing the student pilot and instructor with a simpler interface to the digital cockpit.

The CMC Cockpit 4000 avionics suite is the first in its class to incorporate a fully integrated and FAA-certified dual FMS/GPS navigation suite that meets the required navigation performance standards for current worldwide airspace equipment. The open architecture design of the Cockpit 4000 provides the flexibility to expand capabilities and continuously meet current and future training needs.

In addition to accommodating instruction in instrument flight procedures and basic aerial maneuvers, the T-6 delivers world-class training capability that is appropriate for teaching the most basic introductory flight training tasks through the more challenging and complex advanced training missions that could previously be accomplished only in far more expensive jet aircraft.