Japan Ordered the First Texan II Aircraft for Pilot Training

Textron has signed a contract for the supply of Beechcraft T-6JP Texan II trainer aircraft for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

The agreement provides for the delivery of two aircraft along with training materials for pilots and maintenance personnel.

The Japanese military chose the aircraft to replace its fleet of Fuji/Subaru T-7s, which have been in service since the 2000s.

Textron will coordinate the transfer of the aircraft to the Air Force through its Tokyo-based partner Kanematsu Corporation, with the expected delivery date for both platforms scheduled for 2029.

The Kansas-based company noted that the agreement with Japan includes an option for additional orders.

The Texan II is a two-seat aircraft designed to train future pilots for more complex fighter aircraft.

Depending on the course requirements, the aircraft can be equipped with additional precision guidance devices, an onboard channel for virtual training, a digital terrain assessment system, and NATO-standard weapons.

The aircraft is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop engine with an output of approximately 1,100 hp and a Hartzell four-blade propeller.

The Texan II reaches a speed of 519 km per hour, has an operational altitude of up to 9 km and a range of 1667 km.

Today, there are 1,000 such aircraft in operation worldwide, with more than 5 million flight hours.

Together with Japan, the Texan II system supports pilot training programs in 15 countries and two NATO flight schools.