Hawker Beechcraft Awarded First Contract for New T-6C Trainer Aircraft

WICHITA, Kan. (Oct. 12, 2009) – Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) today announced a recently awarded contract to provide 24 of its new Beechcraft T-6C trainer aircraft to the Royal Moroccan Air Force. The contract represents several significant milestones for HBC, including the first sale of the all new T-6C trainer. It also marks the company’s third contract awarded this year for a Foreign Military Sale.

“The T-6C is the world’s premier integrated pilot training solution and will provide the Kingdom of Morocco with the world’s most affordable trainer available today,“ said Jim Maslowski, president, U.S. and International Government Business. “The advanced technology of the trainer mirrors the systems and capabilities of today’s front-line military aircraft. We look forward to working with the Royal Moroccan Air Force as our first T-6C international customer and are pleased to be selected to modernize its trainer force.”

The Royal Moroccan Air Force is the launch customer for the new T-6C model aircraft, which is an improved version of the T-6A Texan II. Like the newly certified T-6B for the U.S. Navy, the T-6C features an integrated glass cockpit and advanced avionics suite that greatly expands advanced training opportunities. The upgraded integrated avionics suite includes a Head-Up Display (HUD), Up Front Control Panel (UFCP), three Multifunction Displays (MFDs) and Hands-On Throttle and Stick (HOTAS).

Distinguishing it from the T-6B, the new T-6C features a hard point wing to allow for external fuel tanks. This equipment mirrors the systems and capabilities of today’s front-line strike fighter aircraft, while retaining all the inherent training and flying characteristics that have made the T-6A the most successful primary trainer in the world.

The contract is from the U.S. Government and represents a government-to-government agreement between Morocco and the U.S. 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. In addition to the 24 aircraft, the contract includes aircraft ferry services, site survey, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, facility infrastructure support, personnel training and training equipment, and other related elements of technical and logistics support. The purchase of the T-6C aircraft, along with associated equipment and services, is valued at $185.3 million.

HBC has delivered more than 550 T-6 aircraft and 94 aircrew training devices to various major training installations throughout the world since the first deliveries started in 2000. The aircraft are currently in service as the U.S. military’s Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) aircraft, as well as the primary trainer for the NATO Flying Training Canada program, the Hellenic Air Force of Greece and the Israeli Air Force. HBC also has a contract with the Iraqi Air Force, with first deliveries planned for later this year. Additionally, the U.S. Navy recently started receiving T-6B aircraft to replace the Beechcraft T-34 as its primary trainer.

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special-mission and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; Chester, England, U.K.; and Chihuahua, Mexico. The company leads the industry with a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com.