The Navy received its first two operational Textron [TXT] T-54A multi-engine training system (METS) aircraft earlier this month.
The service is buying the T-54s to replace the aging T-44C Pegasus trainers, which are over 44 years old and started operations in 1977. The T-44Cs are set to begin sundown within six months.
The METS covers intermediate and advanced training for future pilots of the P-8, EP-3, KC-130, E-6, E-2, C-2, CV-22 and MV-22 aircraft.
The initial two T-54As landed at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas on April 18.
The T-54A will have a the latest avionic and navigational updates, a state of the art pressurized cockpit with advanced in flight management system as well as a side-by-side sealing and a jump seat, advanced instrument and asymmetric engine handling training for student naval aviators.
The Navy noted it will also capture data allowing for the conditions-based maintenance plus that enables the Navy to trend aircraft health over time to improve maintenance planning.
“This aircraft brings modernized training to student naval aviators and prepares them for the advanced aircraft they will fly in the fleet. Our team is committed to delivering integrated air warfare capabilities to enable the fleet to compete, deter and win—tonight, tomorrow and in the future,” PMA-273 Program Manager Capt. Duane Whitmer said in a statement.
The Navy plans to procure up to 64 T-54s, according to Textron’s 2023 contract.
Later on Wednesday evening the Navy awarded Textron a modification to produce 14 more METS aircraft for $121 million. This work is expected to be finished by September 2025.
According to the Navy’s fiscal year 2025 budget request, the service previously procured 10 in FY ‘23 at a cost of $108 million total, then another 26 in FY ‘24 for $108 million and plans to buy 27 in FY ‘25 for over $301 million total, leaving one aircraft off of the planned 64-aircraft level.
T-54A aircraft deliveries are scheduled to continue through the 2026 calendar year.