Raytheon T-6A Texan II

The Raytheon T‑6A Texan II is a modern turboprop trainer that entered service in the early 2000s, continuing a lineage that began with the Beechcraft T‑34 Mentor. Developed from the Swiss Pilatus PC‑9, the design was selected by the United States Air Force in 1999 to replace the aging C‑130A and T‑37B fleets. First flight took place on 15 July 2001 and delivery to the Air Force Academy began in 2003. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A‑68 engine delivering 1,100 shaft horsepower, the T‑6A offers a maximum speed of 316 knots, a service ceiling of 31,000 feet, and a modern glass cockpit that can be reconfigured for both analog and digital displays. Its rugged airframe, low‑maintenance systems, and ejection seats make it ideal for primary, basic, and advanced pilot training, while also supporting light attack and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions for allied nations. Over 600 units have been exported to more than a dozen countries, cementing the Texan II’s role as a versatile workhorse that bridges the gap between prop‑driven trainers and high‑performance jet aircraft, shaping the next generation of aviators worldwide.

Raytheon

Raytheon T-6A Texan II

Classification

Design & Classification