Textron Aviation Secures First International Sale of Advanced Military Training Aircraft to SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace
Textron Aviation has announced its first international sale of seven Beechcraft King Air 260 military multi-engine training aircraft to SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace for the Royal Canadian Air Force's (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. The aircraft deliveries are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2028.
The King Air 260 will replace RCAF's existing fleet of Beechcraft King Air C-90B aircraft. The new aircraft will be delivered in a FAcT mission-ready configuration from Textron's Wichita, Kansas facility, featuring specialized capabilities including Night Vision Goggle compatible cockpit, TACAN, and various military-specific enhancements.
The FAcT program represents a 25-year contract between the Government of Canada and SkyAlyne, providing comprehensive pilot and aircrew training including aircraft, simulators, civilian instructors, and classroom training systems.
Textron Aviation ha annunciato la sua prima vendita internazionale di sette Beechcraft King Air 260 aeromobili militari da addestramento multi-motore a SkyAlyne e KF Aerospace per il programma di addestramento del personale aereo del Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) noto come Future Aircrew Training (FAcT). Le consegne degli aeromobili sono programmate per iniziare nella prima metà del 2028.
Il King Air 260 sostituirà la flotta esistente di aeromobili Beechcraft King Air C-90B dell'RCAF. I nuovi aeromobili saranno consegnati in una configurazione pronta per la missione FAcT dalla struttura di Textron a Wichita, Kansas, con capacità specializzate tra cui una cabina compatibile con visori notturni, TACAN e vari miglioramenti specifici per uso militare.
Il programma FAcT rappresenta un contratto di 25 anni tra il Governo del Canada e SkyAlyne, fornendo un addestramento completo per piloti e membri dell'equipaggio aereo, inclusi aeromobili, simulatori, istruttori civili e sistemi di addestramento in aula.
Textron Aviation ha anunciado su primera venta internacional de siete Beechcraft King Air 260 aviones militares de entrenamiento multi-motor a SkyAlyne y KF Aerospace para el programa de Entrenamiento de Tripulaciones Aéreas Futuras (FAcT) de la Fuerza Aérea Canadiense (RCAF). Las entregas de los aviones están programadas para comenzar en la primera mitad de 2028.
El King Air 260 reemplazará la flota existente de aviones Beechcraft King Air C-90B de la RCAF. Los nuevos aviones se entregarán en una configuración lista para la misión FAcT desde la instalación de Textron en Wichita, Kansas, y contarán con capacidades especializadas que incluyen una cabina compatible con gafas de visión nocturna, TACAN y varias mejoras específicas para uso militar.
El programa FAcT representa un contrato de 25 años entre el Gobierno de Canadá y SkyAlyne, que proporciona capacitación integral para pilotos y tripulaciones aéreas, incluidos aviones, simuladores, instructores civiles y sistemas de capacitación en el aula.
텍스트론 항공은 캐나다 공군(RCAF)의 미래 항공 승무원 훈련(FAcT) 프로그램을 위해 SkyAlyne 및 KF Aerospace에 7대의 비치크래프트 킹 에어 260 군용 다발동기 훈련 비행기의 첫 국제 판매를 발표했습니다. 항공기 인도는 2028년 상반기부터 시작될 예정입니다.
킹 에어 260은 RCAF의 기존 비치크래프트 킹 에어 C-90B 항공기를 대체하게 됩니다. 새로운 항공기는 텍스트론의 캔자스주 위치타 시설에서 FAcT 임무 준비 상태로 전달되며, 야간 투시경 호환 조종석, TACAN 및 다양한 군용 특정 기능을 포함한 전문화된 능력을 특징으로 합니다.
FAcT 프로그램은 캐나다 정부와 SkyAlyne 간의 25년 계약을 대표하며, 항공기, 시뮬레이터, 민간 강사 및 교실 교육 시스템을 포함한 종합 파일럿 및 항공 승무원 훈련을 제공합니다.
Textron Aviation a annoncé sa première vente internationale de sept Beechcraft King Air 260 aéronefs militaires de formation multi-moteur à SkyAlyne et KF Aerospace pour le programme de formation des équipages aériens futurs (FAcT) de la Force aérienne royale canadienne (RCAF). Les livraisons des aéronefs devraient commencer dans la première moitié de 2028.
Le King Air 260 remplacera la flotte existante d'aéronefs Beechcraft King Air C-90B de la RCAF. Les nouveaux aéronefs seront livrés dans une configuration prête pour la mission FAcT depuis l'usine Textron à Wichita, au Kansas, présentant des capacités spécialisées, notamment un cockpit compatible avec les lunettes de vision nocturne, TACAN et diverses améliorations spécifiques au secteur militaire.
Le programme FAcT représente un contrat de 25 ans entre le gouvernement du Canada et SkyAlyne, offrant une formation complète pour les pilotes et les membres d'équipage, y compris des aéronefs, des simulateurs, des instructeurs civils et des systèmes de formation en classe.
Textron Aviation hat seinen ersten internationalen Verkauf von sieben Beechcraft King Air 260 militärischen Mehrzweck-Trainingsflugzeugen an SkyAlyne und KF Aerospace für das Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Programm der Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) angekündigt. Die Auslieferung der Flugzeuge ist für die erste Hälfte des Jahres 2028 geplant.
Die King Air 260 wird die bestehende Flotte von Beechcraft King Air C-90B der RCAF ersetzen. Die neuen Flugzeuge werden in einer missionstauglichen FAcT-Konfiguration aus der Textron-Anlage in Wichita, Kansas, geliefert und verfügen über spezialisierte Funktionen wie ein Cockpit, das mit Nachtsichtgeräten kompatibel ist, TACAN und verschiedene militärspezifische Verbesserungen.
Das FAcT-Programm stellt einen 25-Jahres-Vertrag zwischen der Regierung von Kanada und SkyAlyne dar, der umfassendes Training für Piloten und Luftcrew bietet, einschließlich Flugzeuge, Simulatoren, zivile Instruktoren und Schulungssysteme für den Unterricht.
- Secured first international sale of seven aircraft to Canadian military
- Long-term 25-year contract through the FAcT program
- Strengthens position in military training aircraft market following U.S. Navy order
- Extended delivery timeline with first deliveries starting in 2028
Insights
The sale of seven Beechcraft King Air 260 aircraft to SkyAlyne represents a strategic victory for Textron Aviation in the competitive military training aircraft market. This contract carries particular significance as the first international sale following the U.S. Navy order, establishing the King Air 260 as a preferred platform for military multi-engine training.
The deal's integration into Canada's 25-year Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program provides long-term revenue visibility and potential for additional services and support contracts. The specialized military configurations, including Night Vision Goggle compatibility and TACAN systems, command premium pricing compared to civilian variants.
The 2028 delivery timeline suggests minimal impact on current production schedules while providing steady backlog visibility. This international sale could catalyze similar contracts with other NATO allies and military partners looking to modernize their training fleets, particularly given the interoperability advantages of standardized training platforms.
The selection of the King Air 260 over competitors reinforces Textron's market position in military training aircraft, a sector experiencing increased demand as air forces worldwide face pilot shortages and aging training fleets. The contract's structure, embedding the aircraft within a comprehensive training system including simulators and support services, aligns with the industry trend toward integrated training solutions.
New Beechcraft King Air 260 Aircraft to Modernize Royal Canadian Air Force’s Multi-Engine Training Fleet
Beechcraft King Air 260 in flight (Photo: Business Wire)
The Beechcraft King Air 260 is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company.
The versatile and reliable Beechcraft King Air 260 will replace the fleet of Beechcraft King Air C-90B aircraft that has proudly served the RCAF for decades. The King Air 260 training aircraft will be delivered in a fully compliant, FAcT mission-ready configuration from Textron Aviation’s King Air production line in
“We are honored the King Air 260 has been selected, this time to fulfill the RCAF’s multi-engine training needs,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Missions Sales, Textron Aviation. “The King Air 260 will modernize multi-engine aircraft training by providing an intermediate and advanced training platform for RCAF pilots destined for operational squadrons in the heavy transport, maritime patrol or search and rescue roles. Following the
FAcT specific capabilities include factory options for a Night Vision Goggle (NVG) compatible cockpit, TACAN (Air-to-Air), Angle of Attack (AOA), V/UHF radio, digital audio system, engine trend monitoring, condition-based maintenance plus, observer/jump seat, passenger mission seats and full-face oxygen masks.
“SkyAlyne is excited to be incorporating the Beechcraft King Air 260 into the FAcT program. It is a next-generation aircraft built on a platform with a proven track record of reliability and performance,” commented Kevin Lemke, SkyAlyne’s senior executive. “At SkyAlyne we are committed to delivering a world-leading training program to the RCAF and I thank the teams at Textron Aviation and KF Aerospace for their support.”
FAcT is a 25-year contract between the Government of
Endless Special Missions Possibilities
When government, military and commercial customers want airborne solutions for critical missions, they turn to Textron Aviation. The company’s aviation solutions provide the high-performance and flight characteristics required to address the unique challenges of special missions operations. With unparalleled quality, versatility and low operating costs, Textron Aviation products are ideal for air ambulance, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR); utility transport, aerial survey, flight inspection; training and many other special operations.
About Textron Aviation
We inspire the journey of flight. For more than 95 years, Textron Aviation has empowered our collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, and high-performance pistons, to special missions, military trainer and defense products, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on our legendary performance, reliability and versatility, along with our trusted global customer service network, for affordable, productive and flexible flight.
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About Textron
Textron is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems.
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Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements which may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, changes in aircraft delivery schedules or cancellations or deferrals of orders.
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Media Contact:
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Source: Textron Aviation
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