Hawker Beechcraft T-6A Providing Primary Jet Training to Iraqi Air Force

The T-6A Texan II is a single-engine, two-seat primary trainer designed to train Joint Primary Pilot Training, or JPPT, students in basic flying skills common to U.S. Air Force and Navy pilots. The trainer is phasing out the aging T-37 fleet throughout Air Education and Training Command. (Foto: U.S. Air Force/Master Sgt. David Richards)

20 July 2010, FARNBOROUGH, U.K. -– Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) today announced it has delivered the first eight Beechcraft T-6A military trainers ordered by the Iraqi Air Force and is on schedule to deliver seven more of the high performance turboprop aircraft by the end of the year. HBC received the initial order in August 2009 and the follow-on order for seven additional aircraft in September 2009.

“The T-6A is playing a significant role in the growth and modernization of the Iraqi Air Force,” said Jim Maslowski, HBC president, U.S. and International Government Business. “As the roles of the Iraqi military forces expand, it is essential that their training and capabilities keep pace with the technology and sophistication of the systems they utilize. The T-6A will prepare Iraqi pilots to transition into 21st century aircraft that are considerably more complex than the equipment they previously employed.”

Initial deliveries occurred in December 2009. The Iraqis began utilizing the airplanes in their primary flight training program with student pilots and have steadily increased their average monthly utilization rate. With the delivery of more aircraft, the number of pilots in the program will be increased. All 15 airplanes are expected to be in service by the end of this year.

In addition to the 15 aircraft, the contract also includes ground based training systems, spares, contract logistics support, maintenance, post production support and technical publications.

The Beechcraft T-6 offers military organizations worldwide the most proven and most cost-effective training system available today. The T-6 is a primary trainer aircraft that accommodates instruction in instrument flight procedures and basic aerial maneuvers. The aircraft delivers an outstanding training capability that is appropriate for the most basic introductory flight training through more challenging and complex advanced training missions. To date, it has been used to train pilots in approximately 20 different countries.

Deliveries of the T-6 began in 2000 after the aircraft was initially selected to fill the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System role for the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy. Since then, additional military programs worldwide, including NATO Flying Training in Canada, the Hellenic Air Force of Greece, the Israeli Air Force, the Iraqi Air Force and the Royal Moroccan Air Force, have chosen the T-6 and its derivatives as their primary trainers.

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special mission and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; Chester, England, U.K.; and Chihuahua, Mexico. The company leads the industry with a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com.

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation