Textron Aviation has been awarded a contract for $277 million to produce next-generation T-54A trainer aircraft for the US military.
A total of 26 aircraft will be delivered to the US Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard under procurement lots 2 and 3.
The company will also provide engine spare parts and associated support equipment as part of the agreement.
Work for the contract will be carried out in Kansas and Texas, with an estimated completion date of September 2026.
Once delivered, the T-54A is expected to further improve the US military’s pilot training programs.
About the T-54A
Textron’s T-54A is a twin-engine trainer aircraft designed to prepare military pilots for critical roles on advanced platforms, such as the P-8A Poseidon, E-2D Hawkeye, and C-130 Hercules.
It features an advanced avionics suite for modern, multi-domain operations.
Additionally, it has a range of sensors, including infrared and optical systems, to enhance pilot proficiency in low-visibility conditions.
The aircraft has a top speed of 259 knots (298 miles/480 kilometers per hour) and a range of 1,640 nautical miles (1,887 miles/3,037 kilometers).
It can also be outfitted with mock missiles and machine guns for tactical combat simulations, further enhancing training realism.