Textron Makes Good on Next-Gen Training Twin

Textron's 1st delivery of the Beechcraft T-54 Multi-Engine Training System has been made, handing over the first pair of up to 64 aircraft to the US Navy.

The aircraft is, at its core, a King Air 260 with a cool new mil-spec designation, chosen to replace the aging fleet of T-44C Pegasus aircraft. In similar fashion, those were King Air B90s, configured for training and observation throughout the multi engine training process. The T-54A has all the important updates that modern pilots expect, with better avionics and automation that more closely match the high-tech aircraft Naval students will later move on to pilot once deployed. Under the Multi-Engine Training System, the T-54A includes air-to-air TACAN, angle-of-attack indicators, VHF and UHF radio, a digital audio system, digital engine trend monitoring, condition-based maintenance plus, jump seats, full-face O2 masks, and improved passenger seats.

“The T-54A benefits from an active Beechcraft King Air assembly line in Wichita, Kansas, where all required METS avionics and interior modifications are installed on the line; keeping costs down, aircraft conformity consistent across the fleet and optimizing the delivery schedule to the Navy,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Missions Sales, Textron Aviation. “We are thrilled to continue our 47-year relationship of Textron Aviation aircraft conducting multi-engine flight training for Navy, Marine and Coast Guard Aviators.”

FMI: www.txtav.com