MURDO MORRISON / WICHITA
Raytheon Aircraft expects to certificate in the second quarter of 2004 an uprated B light attack version of its T-6A Texan trainer - with CMC head-up display (HUD) and six hardpoints under the wings. The company is expected to display the demonstrator at July's Farnborough air show.
Raytheon says it is "in serious communications" with 10 countries about acquiring the aircraft during the next five years. These are Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Israel, Mexico, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey and the UK.
The company has so far delivered 140 T-6As to the US Air Force and US Navy as part of an order for 230 aircraft for delivery to 2006. The USA has committed to almost 800 T-6As over the next 14 years. The deal includes a ground-based simulator training and support package under the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) contract.
There are two export customers: the Greek air force will shortly take delivery of the last of 45 of the trainers, while NATO Flying Training in Canada operates 26.
Meanwhile, Raytheon says it is evaluating several ground-launched missile countermeasures systems, with a view to offering the equipment as an option on its special mission aircraft.
"We're interested in seeing what is out there and what is exportable," says Mark Qualls, manager, international special missions. "If we had the right kit, we could be doing five a month on King Airs and Hawkers."
This year Raytheon expects to deliver around seven special mission aircraft, although the total has been as high as 20 in recent years. Most of the aircraft are King Air B200s and 350s.
Source: Flight International
