Hawker Beechcraft Expects Increase in Demand for Light Attack Aircraft in International Markets
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LONDON, UK (Nov. 28, 2012) – Hawker Beechcraft Defence Company (HBDC), which is participating in the Air Power in Irregular Warfare 2012 Conference this week in London, anticipates demand for its Beechcraft AT-6 light attack program to grow in the coming decade as governments look for capable, affordable and sustainable light aircraft solutions.
The company continues to receive a significant amount of interest in the platform, to include a number of countries around the globe. At this year’s Farnborough International Airshow, delegates from HBDC received enquiries from a number of U.S. allies eager to develop organic light attack capability.
"Hawker Beechcraft has been meeting the needs of the U.S. Department of Defense and military nations around the world with trainer and special mission aircraft for more than 50 years," said Derek Hess, HBDC vice president, Light Attack Programs. "We are ready to begin providing the AT-6 to fulfill the light attack and air support aircraft needs of our allies around the world."
The AT-6 is a multi-role, multi-mission aircraft system designed to meet the spectrum of needs for light attack missions. Leveraging a range of highly-specialised but off-the-shelf capabilities, the AT-6 is outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment such as a Pratt and Whitney PTA 68D engine, CMC Esterline’s mission-modified Cockpit 4000, Lockheed Martin’s A-10C-based mission system, L-3 WESCAM’s MX-15Di sensor suite (used on King Air MC-12s), and Visionix’s Scorpion Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (common to the A-10C).
The aircraft has successfully completed a number of assessments of its high-end net-centric and light attack capabilities over the last three years. These tests demonstrated full compatibility with U.S. and NATO Joint Terminal Attack Controller systems during the Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment 2010 at Nellis Air Force Base. Additionally, the AT-6 passed the Air National Guard Operational Assessment and became the first-ever fixed-wing aircraft to fire laser-guided rockets. The AT-6 leads the light attack market with purpose-built capability, affordability, sustainability and interoperability for the most demanding of scenarios. For more information, visit www.missionreadyat6.com.
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special mission, light attack and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Little Rock, Ark.; Chester, England, U.K.; and Chihuahua, Mexico. The company leads the industry with a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com.
U.S. media contact
Nicole Alexander
+1 316 676 3212
Nicole_Alexander@hawkerbeechcraft.com
Twitter: @HBCnews
