Raytheon Aircraft T-6A Trainer to Provide Protection at 2004 Summer Olympics
WICHITA, Kan. (Aug. 11, 2004) -- Raytheon Aircraft’s T-6A will be part of the protective air umbrella at the 2004 Summer Olympic Games Aug. 13-29 in Greece.
The aircraft, which is flying as a primary trainer for the Hellenic Air Force of Greece, will conduct air patrol flights. The T-6A serves the Hellenic Air Force as a primary trainer and also introduces students to weapons delivery.
The Hellenic Air Force took delivery of its first of 45 T-6As in July 2000, and received its 45th aircraft in 2003. Twenty-five are configured in a standard primary training and 20 are equipped with hard points for weapons delivery training and pilot gunnery proficiency.
The T-6A is equipped with a pressurized cockpit; zero altitude/zero airspeed ejection seats; and a glass cockpit. The canopy is designed to withstand an impact of a four-pound bird at 270 knots. The escape system, along with an advanced canopy and docile handling qualities, make the T-6A one of the safest aircraft in the world.
Raytheon Aircraft’s upgraded T-6B, which made its public debut at Farnborough Air Show this year, features advanced cockpit management functions employed in the latest front line fighters and includes an open architecture mission computer giving the aircraft a multi-role capability as both a trainer and a light attack aircraft.
The aircraft in all configurations is designed to have fighter-type maneuverability and operate at an overall lower life-cycle cost than competitive aircraft. In addition, the T-6A boasts the long-term support of a production line slated to run at least through 2017 and logistic support commitments beyond 2040 – benefits no other manufacturer can offer.
“International customers can rely on the T-6 to serve their air forces for many years to come,” said Sherry Grady, vice president – Government Business at Raytheon Aircraft. “The avionics upgrade introduced at the Farnborough airshow is a continuation of Raytheon Aircraft’s commitment to provide the most efficient, safe and economical pilot training in the world.”
