Beechcraft AT-6E

The Beechcraft AT‑6E, developed by Raytheon Aircraft Company, is a modern evolution of the classic North American T‑6 Texan trainer that first entered service during World War II. Raytheon revived the design in the early 2010s, aiming to provide a cost‑effective, high‑performance platform for military training, aerobatic competition, and light attack missions. The AT‑6E retains the iconic low‑wing, all‑metal airframe but incorporates a 750‑horsepower Pratt & Whitney PT6A‑25C turboprop, modern avionics, and a fully digital glass cockpit with Hands‑On‑Throttle‑And‑Stick (HOTAS) controls. Key features include a reinforced airframe for +12 g maneuverability, four under‑wing hardpoints capable of carrying up to 2,000 lb of weapons, and an advanced mission systems suite that integrates GPS, data‑link, and night‑vision compatibility. Its modernized training suite supports pilot‑in‑the‑loop simulation, reducing the need for multiple aircraft types. Since entering service in 2015, the AT‑6E has been adopted by over a dozen air forces and law‑enforcement agencies worldwide, demonstrating its versatility as a trainer and light‑attack platform. The aircraft’s blend of legacy reliability and cutting‑edge technology makes it a significant bridge between piston‑engine trainers of the past and next‑generation jet trainers today.

Raytheon

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Design & Classification