Beechcraft AT-6 Light Attack

[W.G.Ewald]

The Beechcraft AT-6 incorporates the very best of proven training methods and close air support capability to meet light attack and armed reconnaissance requirements. AT-6 capabilities cover a wide-mission spectrum that includes training, manned Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and light precision attack, while at the same time offering non-traditional capabilities for homeland defense and civil support missions.

Now upgraded with a more powerful 1600 Shaft Horsepower Pratt and Whitney PT6A-68D engine, the AT-6 is a structurally strengthened derivative of the proven Beechcraft T-6 trainer. Adding to the FAA approved primary flight avionics system by CMC Esterline, Lockheed Martin leveraged A-10C precision engagement modification capabilities in integrating the mission avionics of the AT-6. The result is a plug-and-play mission system architecture that combines state-of-the-art data link, combat communications capabilities, extensive variety of weapons delivery modes and precision weapons tailored
for the AT-6.

https://www.beechcraft.com/military/light_attack.aspx

Just posting because I think it's cool. Not invested in Beechcraft or employed there. :cool2:

 

[ladder]

https://www.beechcraft.com/military/light_attack.aspx

Just posting because I think it's cool. Not invested in Beechcraft or employed there. :cool2:

Was it up against the Super Tucano of Brazil in Afghan AF completion.

 

[W.G.Ewald]

Was it up against the Super Tucano of Brazil in Afghan AF completion.

I don't know & will research the question. They look similar.

 

[ladder]

I don't know & will research the question. They look similar.

http://defensetech.org/2011/12/31/embraer-wins-usafs-light-attack-contest/

Just over a month ago, Hawker Becchcraft's AT-6B, Embraer's rival in the LAS contest, was booted from the competition leaving the door wide open for the Super Tucano to win. The only question was whether the service would even buy the little planes.

 

[W.G.Ewald]

Also this.

Beechcraft has long slammed the Super Tucano as a foreign plane due to its design by the Brazilian-owned Embraer. Sierra Nevada Corp, an American company acting as the prime contractor for the Super Tucano team, has countered that claim, pointing out that it plans to build the planes in a new factory in Jacksonville, Fla.

The Kansas-based Beechcraft has already mobilized its local delegation to lobby the Pentagon on its behalf. Sens. Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran, as well as Rep. Mike Pompeo, have all made previous statements in favor of Beechcraft.

In turn, the SNC/Embraer team has relied on members of the Florida delegation to support the Super Tucano, which will be built in a large facility in Jacksonville. A bipartisan delegation from Florida made up of Sens. Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio, and Reps. Ander Crenshaw and Corrine Brown, who represent the Jacksonville area, have written letters in support of the A-29 team.

Although the cost of the contract is relatively small by US Defense Department standards — $427,459,708, with a maximum amount of $950 million over the life of the contract — both challengers view the award as vital for their businesses moving forward.

For Beechcraft, which emerged from bankruptcy in February, the award would represent a victorious return to the defense sector that could potentially jump-start international interest in its AT-6 fighter. For Embraer, the award represents a way into the American market and a reputation as a growing global player in the defense industry.

It is also a major concern for Afghanistan's Air Force, which badly needs the 20 planes to provide air support as the US withdraws from the country. USAF officials have repeatedly said getting the Afghan government these planes is key to security in the region.

But delivery of the planes has been delayed over a legal saga that has dragged on for years.

GAO Supports Super Tucano Pick for Afghanistan Air Force | Defense News | defensenews.com