The Tunisian Air Force took delivery this Tuesday (8th) of the first of eight T-6C Texan II training turboprops. Thus, it becomes the second air force on the African continent to operate the model, competing with Embraer's A-29 Super Tucano.
According to Textron, the plane will be employed by No.13 Squadron at Sfax Air Force Base, a unit that currently uses the Leonardo SF-260. “Textron Aviation Defense is honored that the Tunisian Air Force has chosen the best and most affordable military trainer in the world – the legendary Beechcraft T-6C Texan II – as its next main trainer,” said Fouad Kasri, Director of Sales and Strategy for Africa and the Middle East.
In addition to Tunisia, the Morocco also operates 24 units of the T-6C. With the delivery, the country also becomes the 13th operator of the T-6, receiving the 1001st aircraft manufactured by Beechcraft at its plant in Wichita. In October Textron celebrated the delivery of the 1000th T-6C to the Colombian Air Force.
“We are delighted to welcome another North African and Mediterranean Allied nation to the distinguished group of global air forces that rely on the next-generation T-6 Integrated Training System to achieve their pilot training goals. ”Kasri said.
Textron Aviation Defense expects to deliver the second T-6C from Tunisia by the end of this year. The remaining six aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2023. Initial pilot training began October 31 at the company's facilities in Wichita, Kansas.
The contract with the Tunisian Air Force includes the supply of spare parts, logistical and operational services, and a ground training and instruction suite provided by TRU Simulation + Training, a Textron . The devices will be installed on the base of Sfax.
