Cessna and Beechcraft maker Textron Aviation has been awarded a Multi-Engine Training System (METS) contract by Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), after what it said was a "full and open competition".
The deal is for Textron to supply up to 64 Beechcraft King Air 260 aircraft, with deliveries planned from 2024 to 2026, to replace the Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) fleet of T-44C Pegasus aircraft in service since 1977.
“We are honoured the US Navy has again selected the Beechcraft King Air to fulfill its training needs,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, special missions sales. “METS will modernize multi-engine aircraft training at CNATRA, providing an intermediate and advanced training platform for U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard aviators", he said.