On December 12, Kanematsu Corporation (hereinafter “Kanematsu”) concluded a sales contract with Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (hereinafter “ATLA”) for two next generation primary trainer aircraft. The selected aircraft is the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II (hereinafter “T-6”), manufactured by Textron Aviation Defense LLC of the United States. Textron Aviation Defense is a subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc. The T-6 will serve as the successor to the Japan Air Self Defense Force’s (hereinafter “JASDF”) fleet of 49 T-7 primary trainers, with delivery scheduled for March 2029.

Beechcraft T-6 Texan IIBeechcraft T-6 Texan II

Primary trainer aircraft are used in JASDF’s pilot training curriculum to help students acquire fundamental flight skills. Employed at the initial stage of flight training, the T-6 supports basic instruction ranging from takeoff and landing and aerial maneuvering to instrument flight and formation flying, playing a vital role in cultivating the foundational capabilities of future pilots who will be responsible for Japan’s national defense.

The adopted T-6 has been produced in quantities exceeding 1,000 aircraft worldwide and has accumulated more than 5 million flight hours, demonstrating high reliability. Its adaptability for advanced training and robust airframe have been recognized, and since the first delivery in 2001 it has been utilized for pilot training by the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and air forces of 14 nations. In response to the Request for Proposal (RFP) issued last year by the Japan Ministry of Defense regarding the next generation primary trainer aircraft and ground-based training equipment, a joint Kanematsu and Textron Aviation Defense proposal was selected following a comprehensive evaluation of performance, cost and other factors.

As part of its aerospace business, the Kanematsu Group has long been engaged in the aviation defense field. Kanematsu has been a global collaborator of Textron Aviation Inc. — which designs and manufactures aircraft in the United States — for more than 30 years, handling sales of Special Mission aircraft for government agencies and related components. Going forward, Kanematsu will continue to leverage its longstanding expertise and domestic and international networks to contribute to strengthening Japan’s defense capabilities.

The signing ceremony was held in Kanematsu’s Tokyo Head Office on December 16At the signing ceremony between Kanematsu and TAD (December 16, Kanematsu Tokyo Head Office)
Left： Kanematsu/Managing Executive Officer Ryoichi Kidokoro
Right： TAD/President＆CEO Mr.Travis Tyler

【Reference Information】

Key Specifications of Beechcraft T‑6 Texan II (Model 3000)
Wingspan
10.2m
Maximum Cruise Speed
585.23km/h
Length
10.16m
Maximum Operating Altitude
9,448.8m
Height
3.25m
Maximum Takeoff Weight
3,765kg
Engine
PT68A-68
(1unit)
Maximum ferry Range
*with external tanks
1,637km
*2,559km

【Textron Aviation Defense LLC. Company Profile 】

Name
 Textron Aviation Defense LLC.
Address
 Wichita, Kansas, USA
Business
 With a legacy of thousands of proven Beechcraft and Cessna Integrated Training Systems produced and missionized in America’s Heartland since1930s , military customers turn to Textron Aviation Defense when they need airborne solutions for their critical missions. Provider of the world’s foremost military flight trainer, Textron Aviation Defense equips militaries worldwide and leads in low acquisition, sustainment and training costs.
URL
 https://defense.txtav.com/

【Contact】

Public Relations Section, Kanematsu Corporation TEL: +81-3-6747-5000 https://www.kanematsu.co.jp/en/inquiry/