Textron Aviation Inc. announced the European debut of its new military multi-engine training aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA). Built upon the versatile and reliable Beechcraft King Air 260, this state-of-the-art aircraft will be on display at Stand A031 from Monday, July 22 through Friday, July 26, offering military delegations, members of the media, and aviation enthusiasts a first look at the company’s next-generation training solution.
Following a rigorous and competitive selection process, the Beechcraft King Air 260 was chosen in 2023 to modernize aircrew training for the United States Navy’s Multi-Engine Training System (METS) program. Deliveries for the METS program began on April 22, 2024, under a contract for up to 64 aircraft by Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). Additionally, on May 29th, during the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries’ annual defence industry tradeshow (CANSEC), Canada announced its acquisition of the Beechcraft King Air 260 for the Future Aircrew Training program of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).
“The Beechcraft King Air 260 provides an excellent value for military multi-engine training due to its acquisition and operation cost, combined with excellent speed, range and payload capacity,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Missions Sales, Textron Aviation. “This state-of-the-art aircrew training aircraft is currently serving the United States Navy’s fleet and is ready to support the modernization of military multi-engine training worldwide.”
The aircraft holds a range of specific capabilities, including factory options for TACAN (air-to-air), angle of attack (AOA) indicators, V/UHF radio, digital audio system, engine trend monitoring, condition-based maintenance plus, observer/jump seat, passenger mission seats, and full-face oxygen masks.
Textron Aviation returns to FIA as an industry leader, with more than 1,700 Cessna and Beechcraft turbine aircraft based in Europe and over 250,000 aircraft delivered worldwide.
When government, military, and commercial customers seek airborne solutions for critical missions, they turn to Textron Aviation. The company’s aviation solutions offer the high performance and flight characteristics necessary to meet the unique challenges of special missions’ operations. Textron Aviation products are ideal for air ambulance, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), utility transport, aerial survey, flight inspection, training, and numerous other special operations, thanks to their unparalleled quality, versatility, and low operating costs.
Textron Aviation continues to set the standard in the aviation industry with the European debut of its new military multi-engine training aircraft, the Beechcraft King Air 260, at the Farnborough International Airshow. This innovative aircraft, selected to modernize aircrew training, is poised to play a crucial role in the future of military training and special missions’ operations, reaffirming Textron Aviation’s position as an industry leader.
