Beechcraft T-6 Texan II integrated training system revolutionizes Tunisian Air Force pilot production

Textron Aviation announced the arrival of the eighth Beechcraft T-6C Texan II aircraft in support of Tunisian Air Force pilot production at No. 13 Squadron at Sfax Air Base in Tunisia. Textron Aviation Defense was previously awarded a FMS contract for eight T-6C Texan II advanced military training aircraft, in-country field service and logistics support representatives, program management support, interim contractor support for the first year, training for pilots and maintenance professionals, spare engines, spare parts and aircraft support equipment.

Brett Pierson, president and CEO of Textron Aviation Defense, commented: "It’s an honor to celebrate the induction of the Beechcraft T-6C into Tunisian Air Force pilot production.The world’s most advanced global air forces and pilots trust us to deliver a great aircraft that enables them to make the world a better, more secure place. Our world-class workforce goes above and beyond to design, manufacture, deliver and support the world’s premier military flight trainer. It is an honor that partner nations continue to put their confidence in the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II as the gold standard in training capabilities.”

Speaking at a July 17 event marking the arrival of the first four T-6C aircraft, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Tunisia Joey R. Hood said, “Tunisia plays an important role in ensuring not only its own national security but also that of northern Africa and the continent as a whole,” and reiterated the United States’ commitment to supporting Tunisia’s efforts to strengthen the Tunisian Air Force’s capacity to respond both to security and humanitarian needs.

The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II is the world’s premier military flight trainer. To date, the global fleet of more than 1,000 Beechcraft T-6 Texan II aircraft has surpassed 5 million flight hours across 13 nations and two NATO flight schools.

A vital asset, the T-6 empowers global pilot training across the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Flight Training program in Canada, the Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJPT) at Sheppard AFB, Texas and the U.S. Air Force Aviation Leadership Program as well as the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Army and Coast Guard, the Hellenic Air Force, the Argentine Air Force, the Israeli Air Force, the Royal Air Force, the Iraqi Air Force, the Royal Canadian Air Force, Mexican Navy, the Mexican Air Force, the Royal Moroccan Air Force, the Colombian Air Force, the Royal New Zealand Air Force, the Royal Thai Air Force and the Tunisian Air Force.

Backed by more than 90 years of experience delivering more than 250,000 aircraft worldwide, the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II’s low acquisition, operating and sustainment costs enable global air forces to fast-track pilot production. With an installed base that more than quadruples its closest competitor, the family of Beechcraft T-6 Texan II aircraft has been the world’s number one Integrated Training System (ITS) for more than 20 years.