Textron Aviation sells advanced military training planes internationally
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Some planes built in Wichita will help train pilots for the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Textron Aviation says it has sold seven of its Beechcraft King Air 260 military multi-engine training aircraft to SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace. This marks the first international sale of the training aircraft, and deliveries are expected to begin in the first half of 2028.
SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace will use the planes in support of the RCAF Future Aircrew Training program.
Textron Aviation says the planes will replace the Beechcraft King Air C-90B planes that the RCAF has used for decades.
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'The King Air 260 will modernize multi-engine aircraft training by providing an intermediate and advanced training platform for RCAF pilots destined for operational squadrons in the heavy transport, maritime patrol or search and rescue roles,' Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Missions Sales, Textron Aviation, said in a news release. 'Following the U.S. Navy order, this consolidates the King Air 260 as the military multi-engine trainer for many generations of aspiring pilots.'
When the planes are delivered, they will include a Night Vision Goggle compatible cockpit, TACAN (Air-to-Air), Angle of Attack, V/UHF radio, digital audio system, engine trend monitoring, condition-based maintenance plus, observer/jump seat, passenger mission seats and full-face oxygen masks.
'SkyAlyne is excited to be incorporating the Beechcraft King Air 260 into the FAcT program. It is a next-generation aircraft built on a platform with a proven track record of reliability and performance,' Kevin Lemke, SkyAlyne's senior executive, said.
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Textron Aviation says its aviation solutions provide high performance and flight characteristics required to address unique challenges. It says its planes are versatile and have low operating costs, making them ideal for air ambulance, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, utility transport, aerial survey, flight inspection, training and many other special operations.
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