Textron Aviation has announced the delivery of the first two Multi-Engine Training System (METS) Beechcraft King Air 260 aircraft to Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) as part of a contract that could see up to 64 aircraft delivered. These deliveries mark a significant milestone in Textron Aviation’s partnership with NAVAIR and their commitment to providing advanced training solutions. The T-54A variant of the King Air 260 comes with an updated avionics suite and automation features, enhancing the training experience for students and better preparing them for advanced fleet aircraft.
The Beechcraft King Air 260, now designated as the T-54A, is set to replace the T-44C Pegasus aircraft in use by the Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) fleet at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi. This modernization effort is aimed at updating the fleet with more representative aircraft that align with follow-on fleet aircraft, as the T-44 has been in service for over four decades.