In the United States, Textron Aviation Inc., based in Wichita, Kansas, has been awarded a modification worth $276.7 million to a previously awarded fixed-price contract for the US Navy’s Beechcraft T-54A trainer aircraft.
This modification allows options to be exercised for the production and delivery of 26 T-54A aircraft (24 under Lot 3 and 2 under the Lot 2 Plus Up option), as well as spare parts for aircraft and associated engines and distinctive support equipment for the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard to support the Chief of Navy’s mission
In February 2023 Textron Aviation was awarded the METS contract (Multi-Engine Training System) dal Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).
The contract award is for up to 64 King Air 260 aircraft, known as T-54As.
The Beechcraft King Air 260 aircraft acquired under the METS contract replaces the Chief of Naval Air Training’s (CNATRA) fleet of T-44C Pegasus aircraft, a variant of the twin-engine, pressurized Beechcraft King Air 90 in service since 1977.
METS-specific features include options for Air to Air (TACAN), Angle of Attack (AOA), redundant VHF/UHF radios, digital audio system, engine trend monitoring, condition-based maintenance plus, flip-up instructor/observer seat , passenger mission seats complete with oxygen face masks.
The T-54A includes an updated avionics suite with a multifunction display featuring a moving digital map, an integrated GPS/inertial navigation system and weather radar, pressurized cabin, quality automation and virtual reality and augmented reality devices to better prepare at the intermediate and advanced level, student pilots of the advanced multi-engine aircraft of the P-8, EP-3, KC-130, E-6, E-2, CMV-22 and MV-22 lines.
The METS are FAA type certified for single and dual pilot flights under day and night visual flight rules and instrument flight rules.
The King Air 260 METS aircraft is delivered in a fully compliant, METS mission-ready configuration from Textron Aviation’s King Air production line in Wichita, Kansas.
Fonte US Department of Defense (US DoD)
Foto credit @Textron Aviation
Pilots with enhanced situational awareness. The T-54A also features improved fuel efficiency and range, enabling longer training missions without the need for frequent refueling. Additionally, the T-54A is designed to handle a wider variety of training exercises, including advanced maneuvers and scenarios, which the T-44C may not effectively accommodate. the T-54A represents a significant upgrade in terms of technology, performance, and training effectiveness.
Thank you for sitting down with me today, Mr. Jones and Ms. Smith. Let’s begin by discussing the recent contract award to Textron Aviation Inc. for the Beechcraft T-54A trainer aircraft. Can you tell us more about the significance of this modification for the US Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard?
Ms. Smith: Certainly! The Beechcraft T-54A trainer aircraft plays a critical role in supporting the Chief of Naval Air Training’s mission by providing advanced multi-engine training to pilots of various advanced aircraft, such as the P-8, EP-3, KC-130, E-6, E-2, CMV-22, and MV-22. This modification ensures that the Navy has a reliable and up-to-date fleet of trainers to prepare pilots for future missions. The T-54A includes an updated avionics suite and specialized features like virtual reality and augmented reality devices, which enhance training capabilities and better prepare pilots for the modern battlespace.
Mr. Jones: Absolutely. In your opinion, how does this contract award contribute to the overall readiness of the US Navy and allied forces?
Ms. Smith: The METS contract award is a significant step forward in ensuring that the US Navy is prepared for current and future threats. By replacing the aging T-44C Pegasus aircraft with the more advanced T-54A, the Navy is modernizing its training infrastructure and preparing pilots to operate the most advanced aircraft in its inventory. Additionally, the METS aircraft’s advanced features and capabilities will enable pilots to train in a variety of scenarios, increasing their versatility and readiness for a wide range of missions.
Mr. Jones: That’s interesting. Can you explain the differences between the T-54A and the T-44C Pegasus aircraft in terms of performance and capabilities?
Ms. Smith: Certainly. The T-54A King Air 260 is a more advanced aircraft compared to the T-4C Pegasus. It is equipped with a modern avionics suite that includes a multifunction display, integrated GPS/inertial navigation system, and weather radar, which provides
