Beechcraft said Monday its defense company signed two contracts to provide a comprehensive pilot training system for New Zealand’s air force.

The foundation is for 11 Beechcraft T-6C Texan II turboprop military training aircraft, according to a company statement. The deal also includes spare parts, training, logistics and maintenance support.

Beechcraft T-6C Texan II turboprop military aircraft. Photo: Beechcraft.
Beechcraft T-6C Texan II turboprop military aircraft. Photo: Beechcraft.

Beechcraft’s defense company and global mission support organizations teamed with

Safe Air Limited and CAE [CAE] as subcontractors on the two contracts. In addition to the 11 T-6C aircraft, the acquisition contract includes two CAE operational flight training simulators, computer-based training courseware and customized Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) pilot training syllabi, all of which are integrated to create a comprehensive learning management system.

A 30-year logistics support agreement provides turnkey support for the RNZAF flight training operations. The agreement also consists of aircraft material support, full flight line and operational maintenance as well as support and operation of the synthetic training devices.

The first four Beechcraft T-6C aircraft will be delivered to the RNZAF in November. At that point, the air force will begin validation flying in preparation for integrating the aircraft into pilot training by mid-2015. All 11 T-6C aircraft will be delivered by mid-2015.

The T-6C aircraft and simulators will be based at RNZAF Base Ohakea, where they will support primary through advanced aircrew training before they move on to operational squadrons or the flight instructor course. The T-6C will replace the Pacific Aerospace CT-4E Airtrainer in the primary phase of the RNZAF Wings Course and FIC training role. It will also replace the Beechcraft King Air B200 in the advanced phase of the Wings Course.