Textron Aviation Defense Beechcraft AT-6E Wolverine achieves military type certification from US Air Force.

Textron Aviation Defense on July 25 announced the Beechcraft AT-6E Wolverine has achieved Military Type Certification (MTC) from the U.S. Air Force, paving the way for continued global sales of the light attack aircraft. The AT-6E is a multi-mission aircraft system designed to meet a wide variety of warfighter and peacekeeper needs.

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The Beechcraft AT-6E Wolverine has achieved Military Type Certification (MTC) from the U.S. Air Force (Picture source: Textron Aviation Defense)

The Beechcraft AT-6E Wolverine is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Defense LLC. The MTC enables global sales of the aircraft through the U.S. government-sponsored foreign military sales program or the direct commercial sales process.

As a good steward of U.S. taxpayer resources, Textron Aviation Defense has manufactured an aircraft purpose-built for light attack, counter-insurgency and Countering Violent Extremist Organizations (C-VEO) mission capability featuring low risk, high performance and low cost. With unmatched tactical flexibility and aircrew protection, the Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine delivers a broad spectrum of operational advantages beyond its competitors.

Thomas Hammoor, president and CEO of Textron Aviation Defense LLC, said: “Achieving Military Type Certification for the AT-6E is the culmination of a multi-year process and a significant accomplishment for our team, opening the door for allies around the world to welcome the AT-6 into their fleets, We are grateful to our employees throughout the organization for the work they have done to achieve this vital milestone, and we remain committed to equipping warfighters and peacekeepers worldwide with the most capable combat-rated integrated weapons system in this category – the Beechcraft AT-6E Wolverine.”

The AT-6 Wolverine’s speed, reliability, maneuvering, altitude and attack profile advantages have proven superior across a broad spectrum of competitions and operational exercises. The United States Air Force was the launch customer for the AT-6, awarding a contract in 2020 for two AT-6E Wolverines. The Royal Thai Air Force is the international launch customer, awarding a contract in 2021 for eight Beechcraft AT-6TH Wolverines.

Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine

Purpose-built for light attack, counter-insurgency and Countering Violent Extremist Organizations (C-VEO), the high performance, low risk Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine delivers affordable precision and endurance across operations in austere environments. The aircraft empowers operators with Next Gen ISR, the industry's best loitering precision strike capability, the ability to maintain pressure on targets, and reliable networked battlespace communications and video — linking every sensor to every operator — Anytime, Anywhere.

The U.S. Air Force acquired two Beechcraft AT-6E Wolverine aircraft in 2020. The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), a key U.S. security ally and operator of one of the most advanced air forces in the Asia Pacific, followed in 2021 when it selected the Beechcraft AT-6TH Wolverine to support their 41st Wing light attack operations at Chiang Mai Air Base. The eight RTAF Beechcraft AT-6TH Wolverines are scheduled to join the Royal Thai fleet in 2024.

Backed by Textron Aviation’s more than 95 years of experience delivering more than 250,000 military, special missions and commercial aircraft worldwide, the AT-6 Wolverine employs an unmatched range of weapons and features the combat-proven A-10C, F-16 and MC-12 mission systems. The AT-6 has also demonstrated light attack capabilities and full compatibility with U.S. and NATO Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) systems.

Manufactured on an active production line, the Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine capitalizes on the proven supply chain and affordability of 85 percent parts commonality with the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II. Additionally, Wolverine’s low acquisition, operating and sustainment costs free up operator investments to meet high-end capability priorities.