Aircraft
U.S. Navy’s New Trainer Goes on Show in Europe
The U.S. Navy plans to purchase 64 T-54As
Beechcraft King Air 260C US Navy trainer
The U.S. Navy is debuting its new Beechcraft King Air 260C at the show’s static display. © David McIntosh/AIN

Textron Aviation's Beechcraft King Air 260 multi-engine training system (METS) is making its international debut this week at the Farnborough Airshow. Last year the U.S. Navy selected the aircraft to fulfill a requirement to replace the aging King Air 90-based Beechcraft T-44 Pegasus.

The company will deliver up to 64 King Airs to Naval Air Station Corpus Christi in Texas to support pilot training for the multi-engine fleets of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, including the V-22 Osprey. An initial $113.1 million contract covers 10 aircraft, with full procurement of 64 expected to cost $677.2 million. Textron Aviation handed over the first aircraft on April 22 this year, and instructor training has started.