The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II, a single-engine turboprop aircraft, was built by Raytheon Aircraft Company, now known as Textron Aviation, since 2014.
As a trainer aircraft derived from the Pilatus PC-9, the T-6 has succeeded the Cessna T-37B Tweet of the United States Air Force and the United States Navy’s T-34C Turbo Mentor.
The T-6A variant serves the United States Air Force for basic pilot and Combat Systems Officer (CSO) training, the United States Navy and Marine Corps for primary Naval Aviator and Naval Flight Officer (NFO) training, and is also used by the air forces of Canada, Greece, Israel, and Iraq for basic flight training.
The T-6B serves as the primary trainer for U.S. student naval aviators, while the T-6C is employed by the air forces of Mexico, the United Kingdom, Morocco, and New Zealand for training purposes.
Variants
Model 3000
Company designation
T-6A Texan II
The T-6A Texan II serves as the standard version for the United States Air Force, United States Navy, and Hellenic Air Force.
T-6A NTA Texan II
The T-6A NTA, an armed variant for the Hellenic Air Force, is equipped to carry rocket pods, gun pods, external fuel tanks, and bombs.
T-6B Texan II
The upgraded T-6A version features a digital glass cockpit, which includes a head-up display (HUD), six multi-function displays (MFD), and hands-on throttle and stick (HOTAS).
It is utilised at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, and the United States Naval Test Pilot School.
AT-6B Wolverine
The initial armed variant of the T-6B is designed for primary weapons training or light attack roles.
It retains the digital cockpit, which is enhanced with a data link and integrated electro-optical sensors, as well as multiple weapon configurations.
The engine power has been boosted to 1,600 shp (1193 kW) through the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6-68D engine, and the airframe has been structurally reinforced.
T-6C Texan II
The upgraded version of the T-6B, equipped with wing hard points, is primarily designed for export sales.
T-6D Texan II
The T-6B and C variants are designed for the US Army, serving roles in operational support, testing, utility, and as chase planes.
AT-6E Wolverine
The armed production version of the T-6 is designed for primary weapons training or light attack roles.
Two units have been delivered to the USAF for ongoing testing.
In November 2021, Thailand ordered eight units, designated as the AT-6TH.
CT-156 Harvard II
The T-6A version for the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) used by the Canadian Forces is nearly identical to the standard models used by the USAF and USN, particularly in avionics, cockpit layout, and performance.
Specifications
Crew
One
Capacity
One passenger
Length
33 ft 4 in (10.16 m)
Wingspan
33 ft 5 in (10.19 m)
Height
10 ft 8 in (3.25 m)
Wing area
177.5 sq ft (16.49 m2)
Aspect ratio
6.29:1
Empty weight
4,707 lb (2,135 kg)
Gross weight
6,300 lb (2,858 kg)
Max take-off weight
6,500 lb (2,948 kg)
Fuel capacity
149.0 Imp gal (677.5 litres, 1200 lb)
Powerplant
1 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68 turboprop,
1,100 shp (820 kW)
Propellers
4-bladed Hartzell HC-E4A-2 Hub with E9612 blades,
8 ft 1 in (2.46 m) diameter
Performance
Cruise speed
320 mph (510 km/h, 280 kn)
Never exceed speed
364 mph (586 km/h, 316 kn)
Range
1,000 mi (1,700 km, 900 nmi)
Service ceiling
31,000 ft (9,400 m)
G limits
+7.0g/−3.5g
Sources
Beech Aircraft and their Predecessors-Alain Pelletier.
