Esterline CMC Electronics to supply its integrated cockpit avionics suite for new Hawker Beechcraft T-6C selected by Royal Moroccan Air Force

Esterline CMC Electronics (CMC) has received initial orders from Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) to supply its Cockpit 4000 integrated avionics suite for 24 T6-C trainer aircraft for the Royal Moroccan Air Force. Morocco is the first customer to purchase HBC's newly introduced T-6C trainer, which is an improved version of the T-6A Texan II. The avionics suite to be supplied by Esterline CMC Electronics will include an integrated avionics computer (IAC), a head-up display (HUD), up-front control panel (UFCP), six multifunction displays (MFDs), inertial reference unit (IRU), digital video recorder/data transfer System (DVR/DTS) and radar altimeter (RADALT).

Jean-Michel Comtois, CMC's vice-president, marketing and sales, government and public affairs, said, "We are extremely pleased that HBC has selected our Cockpit 4000 integrated glass-cockpit for the 24 T-6Cs for the Royal Moroccan Air Force. We look forward to equipping the T-6C with our cost-effective, advanced avionics suite and to play a part in supporting the training needs of the Moroccan Air Force."

The Cockpit 4000 encompasses the full suite of primary flight, engine and navigation displays, and was certified recently by the FAA as installed on the T-6B trainer aircraft for the U.S. Navy. It comprises new-technology equipment that integrates CMC's key product lines, such as flight management systems, global positioning systems, head-up displays, navigation and mission processors, multi-function displays and control panels.

Distinguishing it from the T-6B, the new T-6C features a hard point wing to allow for external fuel tanks. The T-6C will replace the Government of Morocco's current T-34 basic trainer and Cessna T-37 jet trainers, reducing fuel requirements by 66 percent.

The T-6B Texan is based on the successful Beechcraft T-6A, already in service as the U.S. military's Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) aircraft, and is also the primary trainer for the NATO Flying Training Canada (NFTC), and the Hellenic Air Force of Greece. Through the introduction of the CMC advanced avionics upgrade, the T-6B aircraft retains all of the inherent training and flying characteristics that have made the T-6A the most successful primary trainer in the world, while introducing a state-of-the-art open architecture advanced avionics suite that mirrors the systems and capabilities of today's front-line military aircraft.