Wed, Sep 16, 2009
Companies Joining Forces to Compete For USAF Light Attack and
Armed Reconnaissance Aircraft
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation and
Lockheed Martin have teamed to compete for the opportunity to
provide a low-cost, low-risk solution to address the
USAF's need for a Light Attack and Armed Reconnaissance (LAAR)
aircraft. The USAF is expected to launch an acquisition program in
fiscal year 2010.
HBC, based in Wichita, KS, will be
prime contractor and Lockheed Martin Systems Integration in Owego,
NY, will be the mission systems integrator for the Beechcraft AT-6
LAAR aircraft.
"This teaming agreement marks a big
step forward in working to meet the Air Force's emerging Irregular
Warfare needs," said Hawker Beechcraft Chairman and CEO Bill
Boisture. "By teaming with Lockheed Martin, we will deliver an AT-6
LAAR aircraft that meets the training and light attack capabilities
the Air Force needs in one flexible platform. The AT-6 is a
low-risk, low-cost solution that complements existing combat
aircraft capabilities and will contribute to the Air Force's
building partner capacity initiatives around the
world."
Hawker Beechcraft AT-6 Artist's
Concept
"The Hawker Beechcraft and Lockheed
Martin team bring together the best of both worlds: a proven
platform and a proven mission system integration capability," said
Marillyn Hewson, president of Lockheed Martin Systems Integration -
Owego. "Together, we have a strong offering that will deliver a
needed light attack capability requested by the warfighter."
The AT-6 covers a wide mission spectrum that includes training,
manned Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and light
precision attack, while also offering non-traditional capabilities
for Homeland Defense and Civil Support missions. The AT-6 has
tremendous commonality between the USAF T-6A and the U.S. Navy
(USN) T 6B, and Lockheed Martin-developed missions systems avionics
commonality with the combat-tested A 10C.
Hawker Beechcraft AT-6 Artist's
Concept
Last week, production began on a second
AT-6 prototype, designed to both improve performance and expand
mission capabilities over the first AT-6 prototype, which is
currently in flight testing through spring 2010.
More News
Hazardous Weather Information Summary of significant meteorological information (SIGMET/WS), convective significant meteorological information (convective SIGMET/WST), urgent pilot>[...]
Aero Linx: The T-6 Racing Association The T-6 Racing Association is all about T-6‘s and racing. Our mission is to bring great racing to our fans in Reno and other venues wher>[...]
Also: Electra Aero, AMO-CBP v Smugglers, Naval King Airs, Boeing Deal To the surprise of everyone involved, Waco Kitchen shut down both airport operations with little warning and h>[...]
Also: WACO Kitchen Bails, French SportPlane Mfr to FL, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Innovation Preview Bobby Bailey, a bit of a fixture in sport aviation circles for his work with>[...]
Also: Virgin Galactic, B-29 Doc to Allentown, Erickson Fire-Fighters Bought, FAA Reauthorization After dealing with a big letdown after the unexpected decision by Skyreach to disco>[...]