Chris Pocock has been covering the defense beat for AIN for over 30&nbsp;years. He is a British citizen and a graduate of the University of Cambridge. Chris worked in the air cargo business for ten years before becoming a full-time writer in 1983. He subsequently edited two air cargo journals before becoming AIN’s Defense Editor. He retired from that position in 2018, but still contributes to the publication. Chris has written extensively on aerial reconnaissance, including four books on the history of the U-2 spyplane. He also lectures on this and other topics related to intelligence-gathering in the Cold War.

Defense Correspondent

Chris Pocock

The U.S. has approved an Iraqi request for 24 Beechcraft AT-6C Texan II turboprop strike aircraft. Together with associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support, the sale would be worth an estimated $790 million. Iraq is the first announced customer for the AT-6, which lost the <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/2013-02-27/sierra-nevada-claims-usaf-contract-29-super-tucano">controversial U.S. Air Force contest</a> for a Light Air Support (LAS) aircraft to the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano.


In addition to the aircraft, the package would include two spare P&amp;WC PT6A engines and two spare ALE-47 countermeasure dispensing systems and/or two spare AAR-47 missile launch detection systems. In comparison, the initial 20 Super Tucanos the U.S. is supplying to Afghanistan via the LAS process are costing $427 million, according to prime contractor Sierra Nevada.


In a rather less expensive potential acquisition, Iraq might buy seven aerostats and 14 Rapid Aerostat Initial Deployment (Raid) tower systems from Raytheon for surveillance. This deal would be worth $90 million, including spares, support and training. The Raid system uses 55-foot-long, 10,200-cu-ft aerostats made by TCom, and telescoping towers that can extend to 100 feet above the ground. The aerostats and towers are equipped with Flir Systems Star Safire video cameras.


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Iraq May Spend $790 Million on Beechcraft AT-6C Strike Aircraft

Iraq is the first announced customer for the AT-6.

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