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T-6B Texan II Turboprop Trainer | | | Description
The T-6B Texan II is a tandem-seat, turboprop trainer whose primary mission is to train Navy and Marine Corps pilots. | | | Features
The T-6B Texan II is an upgraded avionics variant of the T-6A Texan II and one component of the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) along with simulators, computer-aided academics, and a Training Integration Management System (TIMS). The joint program, of which the Air Force acts as the executive service, will replace Navy T-34C aircraft. The program uses commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) subsystems to the maximum extent possible. The T-6 aircraft-built by Hawker Beechcraft Aircraft Company is a derivative of the Swiss Pilatus PC-9 aircraft with a Pratt & Whitney PT-6A-68 engine, Martin-Baker ejection seats, cockpit pressurization, and an onboard oxygen-generating system. The T-6B upgraded avionics provide an all-glass cockpit using three 5x7 multifunction displays, head-up display, hands-on throttle and stick, dual redundant Integrated Avionics Computers and an open-architecture design to allow for future growth. The Navy's total T-6B requirement is 252 aircraft.
The T-6 entered development flight test in July 1998. The FAA approved type and production certification for the T-6A aircraft and production line on 30 July 1999. A successful flight test program and a successful Milestone III full rate production decision followed in December 2001. Both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy have since entered into a full rate production contract with Hawker Beechcraft for aircraft. In April 2007, the Navy began procuring an upgraded avionics variant of the Texan II, the T-6B, for primary pilot training. The U.S. Navy has received 140 aircraft to date and the system when fully fielded will be operational at two Navy bases. The T-6B achieved initial operating capability (IOC) in April 2010 at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Fla.
The Navy aircraft and ground-based training systems will be completely supported and maintained by commercial vendors with intermediate maintenance provided for selected systems at the operating site. | | | Background
General Characteristics
Primary Function: All-purpose jet trainer.
Contractor: Hawker Beechcraft Aircraft Company.
Date Deployed: First flight, July 10, 2009; Operational, April 19, 2010.
Propulsion: one Pratt & Whitney Canada PT-6A-68 turboprop engine; 1,100 horsepower.
Length: 33.3 feet (10.12 meters).
Height: 10.8 feet (3.29 meters).
Wingspan: 33.4 feet (10.18 meters).
Weight: empty, 5,850 pounds (2,653.52 kg.); maximum takeoff weight, 6,900 pounds (3,129.79 kg.).
Airspeed: 270 knots at 1,000 feet level flight.
Ceiling: 31,000 feet (9,448.8 meters).
Range: maximum, 850 nautical miles (1,367.91 km).
Crew: Two (instructor pilot, student pilot).
| | | Point Of Contact
Naval Air Systems Command
Public Affairs Department
47123 Buse Road, Unit IPT
Bldg. 2272, Suite 075
Patuxent River, MD 20670-5440
(301)757-1487 | | | | Last Update: 13 July 2012 | | |
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