The second Hawker Beechcraft AT-6 Texan II production representative test vehicle (PRTV) has made its first flight fitted with a new Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6A-68D engine with 1600shp (1195kW).
The aircraft is a structurally strengthened version of the popular T-6B advanced trainer, developed specifically to meet a growing requirement in the US and other nations for a light attack and armed reconnaissance (LAAR) aircraft. The first PRTV was equipped with the T-6B’s standard PT6 engine and a mission suite based on that of the upgraded A-10C, and has been conducting integration test work since flying in mid 2009.
The US Air National Guard is scheduled to conduct an evaluation of the AT-6 and Embraer’s EMB-314 Super Tucano later this year for the USAF’s LAAR requirement.
