Mexican Air Force adds 6 new T-6C Texan II aircraft to fleet

MEXICO CITY, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- The Mexican Air Force has completed its replacement of its aging fleet of Pilatus PC-7 aircraft by adding six new Beechcraft T-6C Texan II trainers.

The T-6C is designed to seat two crew members, and is used by the U.S. Navy to train officers for naval flight missions. The aircraft can also be equipped with .50-caliber bombs, guided missiles and rockets, and other weapons. However, no arms have been delivered or equipped to the aircraft.

The Mexican Air Force plans to use the new planes to update trained officers. The PC-7 fleet, which the Beechcraft planes were procured to replace, was over 30 years old.

The Mexican Air Force has ordered 48 T-6C aircraft since January 2012, following the original contract for six of the planes.