Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) recently achieved a significant milestone by receiving Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification of its T-6B military trainer aircraft. The T-6B, an avionics upgrade variant of the highly successful T-6A trainer, will be the primary flight training aircraft of the U.S. Navy. In addition, this certification provides the foundation for avionics in the AT-6, which is designed to meet growing warfighter demand for NetCentric light attack and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.  

"By 2014, all U.S. military student pilots will be trained in the T-6," said Jim Maslowski, president, U.S. and International Government Business. "The T-6 program is solid, and the upgraded avionics package will provide the military with state-of-the art equipment to strengthen and enhance the skills and training for student pilots."  

The FAA Technical Standard Order was issued June 25, 2009, following civil certification of the integrated avionics system by Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) on June 12, 2009. Receipt of the FAA certification allows HBC to proceed with delivery of the first two T-6B aircraft to the U.S. Navy. Further deliveries of Navy aircraft will continue in December 2009, with 15 T-6B aircraft delivered by April 2010 for Initial Operating Capability and the start of student pilot training. The Navy is expected to acquire more than 260 T-6B aircraft to replace the aging T-34 fleet.  

The T-6B introduces a state-of-the-art advanced avionics suite while retaining all of the inherent training and flying characteristics that have made the T-6A the most successful primary trainer in the world. The T-6B will employ advanced technologies that include glass cockpit multi-function displays and backup flight instrument, Heads Up Display, hands-on-throttle-and-stick functionality, and integrated avionics computers that allow preliminary weapons training applications for military student pilots.