Textron Aviation Defense announced the Beechcraft AT-6E Wolverine has achieved Military Type Certification (MTC) from the United States 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. The Beechcraft AT-6E Wolverine is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Defense LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company. The Military Type Certification enables global sales of the aircraft through the U.S. government-sponsored foreign military sales program or the direct commercial sales process.
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. 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.
“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,” said Thomas Hammoor, president and CEO of Textron Aviation Defense LLC. “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.”
Purpose-built for light attack 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. 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 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.
