Hawker Beechcraft is counting on the T-6C trainer to return from a two-month tour achieving more than just performing an entertaining, 8min flying display for the Paris air show audience.

The T-6C flies immediately after the show to Kalamata air base, Greece, home of 45 T-6As acquired by the Greek air force from 1999 to 2002.

Greece may not have a requirement for a new basic trainer, but the company is seeking to attract interest in a retrofit programme, adding the T-6C's head-up display, upfront control panel, integrated glass cockpit featuring the Esterline CMC Cockpit 4000 suite.

T-6C Texan
 © Billypix

The T-6C arrived in Paris after stopping first at Malmen air base in Sweden, where air force officials are considering options for buying new basic trainers. Hawker Beechcraft test pilots flew a series of demonstrations over four days at the base.

The next and final stop after Greece for the T-6C is an appearance at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), which is being held at RAF Fairford in the UK from 16-17 July.

The UK's Royal Air Force is looking to replace a fleet of Shorts Tucano T1 basic trainers, with the T-6C competing against the Pilatus PC-21 and the Embraer Emb-314 Super Tucano offered by Elbit.

The T-6C's armed sister - the AT-6 - will also make an appearance at RIAT, then both will return home to Wichita before August.

Source: Flight Daily News

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