WICHITA, Kan., Aug. 27 (UPI) -- The Mexican air force has received four of six T-6C+ training aircraft ordered from Hawker Beechcraft Defense Co.
The planes were delivered to an airbase in Reyes Acozac, Mexico, and were accompanied by Mexican air force flight instructors trained on the aircraft.
"We are pleased to provide the Mexican air force with the highly effective, ultra-reliable and low-maintenance Beechcraft T-6C+," said Russ Bartlett, president, Hawker Beechcraft Defense Co.
"These airplanes will form the backbone of the flight training program for the next generation of exceptional Mexican air force pilots and we're honored to be a part of it.
"We view this delivery of the first four aircraft as an important initial step in a long and successful relationship with the FAM."
The T-6C+ is an enhanced version of the T-6 military trainer, capable of carrying external stores and practice weapons. It will replace the Mexican air force's aging PC-7 fleet.
The T-6C+ features a hard-point wing, heads-up display, up-front control panel, an integrated glass cockpit and an advanced Esterline CMC Cockpit 4000 avionics suite. The systems are integrated with a hands-on throttle and stick for simple interface to the digital cockpit.
Hawker Beechcraft said the final two aircraft will be delivered to Mexico next month.
