Beechcraft Hunts for Trainer Sales Abroad with METS Bird in Tow

Textron has announced it will be attending the Farnborough International Airshow, with a freshly produced, 'missionized' King Air 260 for display.

Beechcraft is likely highlighting the fact that the King Air 260 has been chosen for the United States Navy’s Multi-Engine Training System (METS) program, with the first deliveries taking place this year. Riding along with that 'win' comes a selection for the similar Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program in Canada, essentially confirming that the King Air is just about the best option on the market for anyone looking to train future jet pilots on a twin-engine turboprop aircraft. Aircraft flying under the METS program get to enjoy the Navy’s attractive orange on white livery, but as a milspec selection Textron will be showing off a more demure (and likely more affordable) plain white finish. 

The display aircraft will sport similar options to military birds, too, including TACAN (Air to Air), angle of attack indication, VHF and UHF radio, a digital audio panel system, engine trend monitoring, observer/jump seat, passenger mission seats and full-face oxygen masks. 

Each will also come with Beechcraft's "condition-based maintenance plus", theoretically reducing some of the irritations that come with logging all the different systems on an aircraft as they work through their lifecycle. 

The appearance at the Farnborough International Airshow will mark the first time a METS aircraft has made it over the Atlantic, sending a strong signal to those in the market for such a trainer that the King Air is ready to go. The first pair of METS aircraft to the Navy in January of this year, marking off the two of what could eventually grow up to 64 aircraft from its 2023 order. 

FMI: www.txtav.com