Textron Aviation Defense has secured a contract worth more than $150 million to continue supporting the US military’s T-6 Texan II training aircraft.
The agreement strengthens its role in keeping one of the military’s most widely used trainer fleets ready for operations.
The deal extends a 2021 contract and includes program management, systems engineering, repairs, and aircraft modifications. With this latest award, the total contract value now rises to $510 million, highlighting the long-term commitment to the T-6 platform.
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The support will cover multiple variants: T-6A, T-6B, and T-6D, used by the US Air Force, US Navy, and US Army. Work will be carried out at Textron’s facility in Wichita, Kansas, over the next five years.
Travis Tyler, President and CEO of Textron Aviation Defense, said the contract reflects strong trust from the government. He added that the team will continue focusing on keeping the aircraft available and ready, while supporting pilot training for future missions.
T-6 Texan II
The T-6 Texan II is based on the Swiss-designed Pilatus PC-9 and entered service in the early 2000s. It replaced older training aircraft used by US forces for basic and intermediate flight instruction.
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The aircraft features a two-seat design and is equipped with modern systems that match current training needs. It is also compatible with NATO-standard equipment, allowing pilots to train in conditions more closely resembling real missions.
Powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop engine, the T-6 produces about 1,100 horsepower. It uses a four-bladed Hartzell propeller and can reach altitudes of up to 31,000 feet.
The aircraft has a range of around 900 nautical miles and a top speed of 280 knots. These capabilities make it a reliable platform for training across different environments.
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Today, nearly 1,000 T-6 Texan II aircraft are in service across 15 countries. They have logged more than 5 million flight hours, proving their value in preparing the next generation of military pilots.
