The AT-6 is a development of the T-6 Texan II trainer and is designed to offer close air support and reconnaissance patrols in counterinsurgency war environments. The aircraft has a strengthen airframe and six underwing hardpoints.
The aircraft shown at Farnborough was N610AT c/n AT-1 and it features an L-3 Wescam targetting turret on the under fuselage, plus HOTAS controls ( allows more time for the pilot to keep his eyes outside of the cockpit in combat ).
In April 2010 N610AT completed a two week Joint Expedtitionary Forces Experiment ( JEFX ) demonstration exercise operating out of Nellis AFB in Nevada,USA operating alongside the A-10C.
N610AT will shortly be re-engined with an upgrade P&W PT6A-68D developing 1,600 shp. A second AT-6 prototype N620AT has now joined the program and flew for the first time in April 2010.
The AT-6 will also receive a defensive aids suite before participating in the USAF Light Attack Armed Reconnaissance ( LAAR ) aircraft program that could lead to order from the US military and foreign military sales.
More information on the AT-6 can be found on the link below
http://www.hawkerbeechcraft.com/military_and_special_mission/light_attack.aspx
Steve
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