Textron Aviation Secures Landmark International Sale of Beechcraft King Air 260 Military Training Aircraft
Textron Aviation has achieved a significant milestone by announcing the first international sale of its Beechcraft King Air 260 military multi-engine training aircraft. This historic sale involves the delivery of seven aircraft to SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace, marking a key development in the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program designed to train pilots for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). The deliveries are expected to commence in the first half of 2028.
The Beechcraft King Air 260, designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, has been chosen for its versatility, reliability, and advanced capabilities. This deal reinforces the aircraft’s reputation as a leading platform for multi-engine pilot training and is expected to modernize the training infrastructure for the RCAF, supporting the development of skilled pilots for various operational roles.
A New Era in Multi-Engine Training for the RCAF
The Beechcraft King Air 260 will replace the aging fleet of Beechcraft King Air C-90B aircraft that has served the RCAF for decades. These new aircraft will be delivered in a fully compliant, mission-ready configuration, directly from Textron Aviation’s production line in Wichita, Kansas. The updated training platform offers enhanced capabilities to meet the evolving demands of modern military aviation.
Bob Gibbs, vice president of Special Missions Sales at Textron Aviation, expressed his enthusiasm for the selection of the King Air 260 for this critical role. “We are honored the King Air 260 has been selected, this time to fulfill the RCAF’s multi-engine training needs,” he said. “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 heavy transport, maritime patrol, or search and rescue roles. Following the U.S. Navy order, this consolidates the King Air 260 as the military multi-engine trainer for many generations of aspiring pilots.”
Advanced Features and FAcT-Specific Capabilities
The King Air 260 aircraft designated for the FAcT program will include several factory-installed options tailored to the program’s specific requirements. These features include:
- Night Vision Goggle (NVG) compatible cockpit
- TACAN (Air-to-Air) navigation system
- Angle of Attack (AOA) indicator
- V/UHF radio
- Digital audio system
- Engine trend monitoring
- Condition-based maintenance plus
- Observer/jump seat
- Passenger mission seats
- Full-face oxygen masks
These capabilities are designed to ensure that the aircraft meets the rigorous standards of the FAcT program while providing an optimal training experience for RCAF pilots.
The Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program
The FAcT program is a 25-year contract between the Government of Canada and SkyAlyne, a joint venture between CAE and KF Aerospace. This comprehensive initiative encompasses pilot and aircrew training, providing aircraft, simulators, civilian instructors, classroom training systems, and other essential services. By incorporating the Beechcraft King Air 260 into this program, SkyAlyne aims to deliver a world-leading training solution that will prepare RCAF pilots for a range of operational missions.
Kevin Lemke, SkyAlyne’s senior executive, highlighted the importance of this acquisition. “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,” he said. “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.”
Special Missions Versatility
Textron Aviation has a long history of providing high-performance aircraft for government, military, and commercial customers. The company’s aircraft are known for their versatility, low operating costs, and ability to meet the unique demands of special mission operations. The King Air 260 is no exception, offering exceptional performance for a variety of applications, including:
- Air ambulance
- Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR)
- Utility transport
- Aerial survey
- Flight inspection
- Advanced pilot training
This adaptability makes the King Air 260 an ideal choice for the FAcT program, ensuring that the RCAF receives a reliable and versatile training platform.
Strengthening Textron Aviation’s Global Presence
The international sale of the Beechcraft King Air 260 to SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace represents a significant achievement for Textron Aviation. It not only solidifies the aircraft’s position as a leading military training platform but also strengthens the company’s presence in the global defense and aerospace market.
By delivering a next-generation training solution to the RCAF, Textron Aviation is contributing to the modernization of Canada’s military aviation capabilities. This deal also underscores the company’s commitment to providing innovative solutions that meet the needs of its customers worldwide.
Conclusion
The sale of the Beechcraft King Air 260 to SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace marks a pivotal moment in Textron Aviation’s history. As the first international sale of this advanced military training aircraft, it sets the stage for future collaborations and further establishes the King Air 260 as a premier platform for multi-engine pilot training. With its proven track record, state-of-the-art features, and unmatched versatility, the King Air 260 is poised to play a critical role in shaping the future of military aviation training for the RCAF and beyond.
As the FAcT program progresses, this partnership between Textron Aviation, SkyAlyne, and KF Aerospace will serve as a model for delivering world-class training solutions that prepare pilots for the challenges of modern aviation. Through this collaboration, Textron Aviation continues to demonstrate its leadership in the aerospace industry, driving innovation and excellence in special mission aircraft.
