T-6 Texan II
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- For the similarly-named World War II aircraft, see T-6 Texan.
The T-6A Texan II is a tandem-cockpit, turboprop aircraft used by the United States Air Force for basic pilot training and by the United States Navy for Primary and Intermediate Joint Naval Flight Officer (NFO) and Air Force Navigator / Weapons Systems Officer (WSO) training. It is replacing the Air Force's T-37B Tweet and the Navy's T-34C Turbo Mentor. One of the most important features of the T-6 is its highly advanced, all-glass cockpit instrumentation.
The T-6A was introduced to Moody Air Force Base and Randolph Air Force Base in 2000-2001, and Laughlin Air Force Base by 2003 where it is now the primary basic trainer, having completely replaced the venerable T-37. Vance Air Force Base began transitioning from the T-37 to the T-6 in 2005. The T-6 is expected to replace all T-37s in the Air Force inventory by 2008. T-37s are still in service at Vance, Columbus, and Sheppard Air Force bases. The Air Force awarded the full rate production contract in December 2001.
The T-6A has been met with great approval by instructors and students alike, who praise its reliability and simplicity. With thrust output of over 2,000 pounds at sea level and the quick power response time afforded by a turboprop, it is very forgiving.
The Texan II is built by Raytheon in Wichita, Kansas. Although the design is heavily based on the Pilatus PC-9, the T-6 is a complete redesign, from the ground up, and is considerably more sophisticated and powerful.
One Texan II costs approximately 6 million dollars. Almost a quarter of this cost goes into two advanced, highly reliable Martin-Baker ejection seats, which have the capability for zero-zero ejection.
The T-6B is a new variant, introduced in 2005, with the capability to carry and deploy training munitions, including bombs, rockets, and wing-mountable guns. It also features additional onboard systems for combat training and a heads-up display. The T-6B could be a versatile primary weapons trainer, or even an operational light attack aircraft, given its excellent handling characteristics and available excess thrust. According to Raytheon, the T-6B is now available for order, although a price has not been specified and no customers have been listed yet.
Specifications (T-6A)
Additional systems
- Hydraulically operated retractable landing gear, split flaps, speed brake, and nose wheel steering
- 28-volt electrical system with auxiliary battery
- Comprehensive environmental control system featuring heating, cooling, and air conditioning; cockpit pressurization, on-board oxygen generating system, anti-G system.
- 2 Martin-Baker ejection seats
- Canopy fracturing system operated by mild detcord and flexible linear shaped charge, actuated upon ejection, emergency ground egress, or ground rescue
- Automatic propeller control by means of power management unit and propeller interface unit
- Fully-electronic attitude, heading, and reference system; electronic instrument displays; air data computer; engine data manager
- 3-axis electric trim with trim aid device
- Integrated data acquisition and recording system (flight data recorder)
- Naval Aircraft Collision Warning System (NACWS)
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