The story
Beechcraft's tandem-seat turboprop trainer is a heavily reworked Pilatus PC-9, chosen in the 1990s Joint Primary Aircraft Training System competition. It replaced the Air Force's T-37 Tweet and the Navy's T-34C Turbo Mentor, so Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps student pilots now start out in one. Martin-Baker ejection seats, retractable gear and a 1,100 shp PT6 up front.
The name is a nod to North American's T-6 Texan, the World War II trainer that taught a generation of Allied pilots.
Quick answers
How do you identify a T-6A Texan II?
Low wing, a slim nose with a four-blade propeller and a long bubble canopy over two stepped seats. US Air Force examples are white on top with a dark blue belly.
What does a T-6A Texan II sound like?
A single PT6 turboprop with a four-blade prop: a smooth, rising turbine whistle.
How many people does the T-6A Texan II carry?
Typical configuration: Tandem two-seat trainer.
How far can the T-6A Texan II fly?
Range is about 900 nmi.
How big is the T-6A Texan II?
It is 33 ft 4 in long and 33 ft 5 in across the wings.
When did the T-6A Texan II first fly?
Its first flight was in 1998.
How many T-6A Texan IIs have been built?
900+ built.
How rare is a T-6A Texan II in Bogey?
UNCOMMON. Not rare, but not every day either. Worth looking up for. Your first T-6A Texan II catch is worth 50 points.
