Up To 64 Aircraft, Delivery 2024-2026

The US Navy has awarded the Multi-Engine Training System (METS) programme to Textron Aviation Special Missions, earmarking the Beechcraft King Air 260, to be designated the T-45A in USN.

The award is for up to 64 aircraft in three lots: Lot 1 (10 aircraft) and Lots II and III, if exercised, for 27 aircraft each. Deliveries are planned for 2024-2026. The T-45A will replace the Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) fleet of T-44C Pegasus, a variant of the Beechcraft King Air 90 in service since 1977. “METS will modernize multi-engine aircraft training at CNATRA, providing an intermediate and advanced training platform for US Navy, US Marine Corps and US Coast Guard aviators into the P-8, EP-3, KC-130, E-6, E-2, CMV-22, CV-22 and MV-22 aircraft,” explained Bob Gibbs, VP Special Missions Sales.

METS specific capabilities include factory options for TACAN (Air to Air), angle of attack (AOA), V/UHF radio, digital audio system, engine trend monitoring, condition based maintenance plus, observer/jump seat, passenger mission seats, and full-face oxygen masks. “With its advanced technology, the new METS platform will be more representative of fleet aircraft,” stated Capt Holly Shoger, Naval Undergraduate Flight Training Systems Program Office (PMA-273) Program Manager. “The T-54A will include an updated avionics suite, automation qualities, and virtual reality and augmented reality devices to better prepare students for the advanced aircraft they will fly in the fleet.”