The light strike aircraft category continues to be a growing market around the globe as more advanced platforms grow increasingly out of reach for burgeoning air powers. Beechcraft Corporation, founded by Walter Beech in 1932 and based in Wichita, Kansas, found success with the introduction of their T-6 "Texan II" in 2001. Sales were strengthened by the adoption of the system under the United States Air Force (T-6A) and Navy (T-6B) branches. Additionally, the Canadian, Greek, Moroccan and Israeli air forces added their numbers to production which has since yielded over 630 units. The Texan II was born from the Pilatus PC-9 series of 1984 of which 250 were produced and sold around the world.
Adding to the T-6 lineage today is the AT-6, a turboprop-powered light strike/training platform intended to fulfill the increasing need by air powers to field a reliable and proven multi-role solution where jet-powered mounts are either too costly or considered overkill in certain theaters. The AT-6 is therefore marketed as an affordable alternative to the more expensive, technologically-advanced strike aircraft while covering a multi-faceted approach that includes Close Air Support (CAS), Forward Air Control (FAC), armed reconnaissance and other military-minded sorties. The design of the AT-6 is such that its two-seat configuration is also suitable for transitioning pilots to more advanced jet-powered mounts while covering aviation fundamentals and weapons delivery education through a more compact, low-cost end-product. The AT-6 shares some 85% commonality of parts with the original T-6 II platform, making it logistically-friendly for existing T-6 II supporters.
The entire AT-6 weapons suite includes support for many US- and NATO-standard munitions: Mk 81 General-Purpose Bomb, Mk 82 General-Purpose Bomb, GBU-12 "Paveway II", GBU-49 "Enhanced Paveway II", GBU-58 "Paveway II", GBU-59 "Enhanced Paveway II" bombs. Missile support is limited to the AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missile. As one of the few current aircraft to support laser-guided rockets, the AT-6 handles APKWS, TALON and GATR series 2.75" guided rocket types. Practice bombs can be used for weapons training.
Internally, the cockpit features three large multi-function displays (MFDs) that can be customized to suit pilot/co-pilot needs through the CMC Glass Cockpit and Flight Management System. A moving map display is listed as standard, a fighter aircraft-style HUD (Head-Up Display) is included and the cockpit is compatible with available night vision equipment. The mission systems suite is presented by defense powerhouse Lockheed Martin and based on the architecture developed for the A-10C (upgraded A-10 Thunderbolt II with "Precision Engagement" package). The pilot's helmet is integrated into the Scorpion Helmet-Mounted Cueing System which allows for marking of targets. Flight controls are of an F-16-style HOTAS (Hands-On-Throttle-And-Stick) arrangement. Communications includes SATCOM and a protected voice and data link. The cockpit supplies full GPS navigation, GPS precision approach and digital terrain elevation data. Base defensive systems include a countermeasures package and missile (IR) warning indicator. The cockpit, fuel stores and engine compartment are protected through a light armor arrangement while each crewmember is granted a Martin Baker MKUS16LA 0/0 series ejection seat for worst-case scenarios.
Beechcraft markets the AT-6 for use in training (piloting and attack, joint exercise), irregular warfare (CAS, FAC, AR, strike coordination, armed interdiction, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)), homeland defense (patrol, low-level/low-speed interception, border security) and civilian-minded endeavors (Search & Rescue (SAR), disaster surveillance). Beyond its offensive-minded load out, the AT-6 can also be equipped with targeting and surveillance equipment to broaden its tactical value. Systems include the L-3 Wescam MX-15Di sensor (for ISR work), a full-color daytime camera system, a laser illuminator and a laser rangefinder.
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December 2008 - Iraqi authorities have formally requested procurement of the AT-6 attack platform through a 36-strong order.
October 2017 - The USAF has announced that a pair of AT-6 Wolverine attack aircraft will deploy to Iraq for an operational demonstration under "Combat Dragon III".
February 2018 - The AT-6 remains in contention for the USAF light attack requirement. It faces competition from the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano (detailed elsewhere on this site).
May 2018 - The Wolverine has entered a second round of testing with the USAF over Holloman AFB in New Mexico. It is competing against the Brazilian Super Tucano.
June 2019 - The AT-6 has been showcased at Paris Air Show 2019.
March 2020 - The USAF has added a further two AT-6 examples for its Experimental Light Attack Fleet (ELAF) on March 16th, 2020, bringing the total up to four airframes.
November 2021 - The Royal Thai Air Force has been announced as the first foreign purchaser of the AT-6 Wolverine platform in a deal worth $143 million USD covering eight air frames.
August 2022 - The AirTractor AT-802U "Sky Warden" was selected by US SOCOM ahead of the AT-6 "Wolverine" design for the Armed Overwatch program.
GROUND ATTACK
Ability to conduct aerial bombing of ground targets by way of (but not limited to) guns, bombs, missiles, rockets, and the like.
CLOSE-AIR SUPPORT
Developed to operate in close proximity to active ground elements by way of a broad array of air-to-ground ordnance and munitions options.
INTELLIGENCE-SURVEILLANCE-RECONNAISSANCE
Surveil ground targets / target areas to assess environmental threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.
33.3 ft (10.16 meters) Length
34.1 ft (10.40 meters) Width/Span
10.7 ft (3.25 meters) Height
5,886 lb (2,670 kilograms) Empty Weight
9,998 lb (4,535 kilograms) Maximum Take-Off Weight
Monoplane
Design utilizes a single primary wing mainplane; this represents the most popular modern mainplane arrangement.
Low-Mounted
Mainplanes are low-mounted along the sides of the fuselage.
Straight
The planform involves use of basic, straight mainplane members.
1 x Pratt & Whitney Canada (PWC) PT6A-68D turboprop engine developing 1,100 to 1,600 horsepower driving a four-bladed propeller unit at the nose. Propulsion
Variable: Support for NATO/MIL-STD-1760 munitions across six weaponized hardpoints (of seven total) including rocket pods (guided/unguided), gun pods (12.7mm), cannon pods (20mm), and conventional drop ordnance (unguided/GPS-guided bombs). Up to 4 x external fuel tanks.
Values are derrived from a variety of categories related to the design, overall function, and historical influence of this aircraft in aviation history.
Overall Rating
The overall rating takes into account over 60 individual factors related to this aircraft entry.
78
Rating is out of a possible 100 points.
Relative Maximum Speed
Hi: 400mph
Lo: 200mph
This entry's maximum listed speed (373mph).
Graph average of 300 miles-per-hour.
City-to-City Ranges
NYC
LON
LON
PAR
PAR
BER
BER
MOS
MOS
TOK
TOK
SYD
SYD
LAX
LAX
NYC
Operational range when compared to distances between major cities (in KM).
Max Altitude Visualization
Design Balance
The three qualities reflected above are altitude, speed, and range.
Aviation Era Span
Showcasing era cross-over of this aircraft design.
Unit Production (22)
22
36183
44000
Compared against Ilyushin IL-2 (military) and Cessna 172 (civilian).
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