To Supply U.S. Military With 26 T-54A Trainer Aircraft

Textron Aviation announced it has been awarded a contract for $277 million to produce next-generation T-54A trainer aircraft for the U.S. military.

A total of 26 aircraft will be delivered to the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard under two separate procurement lots. The work will be performed at the Kansas and Texas plants with an estimated completion date of September 2026. The aircraft are expected to further improve flight training programs in the military. The contract also covers aircraft and engine spare parts and support equipment, as well as training services for aviators and flight officers to support the mission of Chief of Naval Air Training.

The T-54A is a twin-engine trainer is the military version of the civilian Beechcraft King Air 260 and is designed to prepare military pilots for roles on more advanced multi-engine platforms such as the P-8A Poseidon, E-2D Hawkeye, and C-130 Hercules.

The aircraft is equipped with an advanced avionics suite for modern, multi-domain operations. It also has a range of sensors including optical and infrared systems to enhance pilot proficiency in low-visibility conditions.

The T-54A’s top speed is 259 knots (298 mph/480 kph) and a range of 1,640 nm (3,037 km). It can also be outfitted with mock missiles and machine guns for tactical combat simulations, offering additional realism to training sorties.

FMI:  www.textron.com/