Textron Aviation unveils the next generation of military aircrew multi-engine training aircraft at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow

Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, today announced that its new military multi-engine training aircraft — built upon the versatile and reliable Beechcraft King Air 260 — is making its show and European debut at the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA). The aircraft will be on display Monday, July 22 through Friday, July 26, at Stand A031 to offer military delegations, members of the media and aviation enthusiasts a first look at the company’s next-generation training aircraft.

This state-of-the-art aircrew training aircraft was selected in 2023 following a full and open competition to modernize aircrew training for the United States Navy’s Multi-Engine Training System (METS) program. Deliveries in support of the up to 64 METS aircraft contracted by Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) began on April 22, 2024. On May 29th at the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries’ annual defence industry tradeshow (CANSEC), Canada announced it will acquire the Beechcraft King Air 260 for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in support of the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program in Canada.

“The Beechcraft King Air 260 provides an excellent value for military multi-engine training due to its acquisition and operation cost, combined with excellent speed, range and payload capacity,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Missions Sales, Textron Aviation. “This state-of-the-art aircrew training aircraft is currently serving the United States Navy’s fleet and is ready to support the modernization of military multi-engine training worldwide.”

Specific capabilities of the aircraft include factory options for TACAN (air-to-air), angle of attack (AOA), V/UHF radio, digital audio system, engine trend monitoring, condition-based maintenance plus, observer/jump seat, passenger mission seats and full-face oxygen masks.

Textron Aviation returns to FIA as the industry leader with more than 1,700 Cessna and Beechcraft turbine aircraft based in Europe and more than 250,000 aircraft delivered worldwide.

Endless Special Missions Possibilities

When government, military and commercial customers want airborne solutions for critical missions, they turn to Textron Aviation. The company’s aviation solutions provide the high performance and flight characteristics required to address the unique challenges of special missions operations. With unparalleled quality, versatility and low operating costs, Textron Aviation products are ideal for air ambulance; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR); utility transport; aerial survey; flight inspection; training and a number of other special operations.