The company expects to invest over $38 million to modernise more than 50,000 square feet of existing manufacturing space. If selected, the programme is projected to create around 100 direct manufacturing jobs in Wichita, along with numerous indirect roles.
“Wichita has long been the center of innovation for Beechcraft, and we’re proud to continue that tradition as we prepare to support the Navy’s next-generation training needs,” said Travis Tyler, president and CEO of Textron Aviation Defense. “This announcement underscores our 85-year legacy of supporting the U.S. government with training aircraft from the American heartland.”
The Beechcraft M-346N is a twin-engine, tandem-seat aircraft featuring fully digital flight controls, a fly-by-wire system with quadruple redundancy, and advanced avionics. It includes a Head-Up Display, Large Area Display in each cockpit, hands-on throttle and stick (HOTAS) controls, and the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto-GCAS).
Equipped with two Honeywell F124-GA-200 turbofan engines, the M-346N can reach speeds over 590 knots and operate at altitudes up to 45,000 feet. Its aerodynamic design ensures strong manoeuvrability and energy management, with an elevated rear cockpit offering enhanced visibility for instructors.
Textron Aviation Defense describes the M-346N as the core of a low-risk, operationally proven integrated training system with Live-Virtual-Constructive capabilities tailored to advanced naval training. With more than 100 M-346 aircraft produced by Leonardo and over a decade of operational service, the system is positioned as a reliable solution for training aviators for fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft.
The U.S. Navy has released several Requests for Information in advance of an expected Request for Proposals for the UJTS programme. Textron Aviation Defense anticipates a contract decision in January 2027 and believes it is well aligned with the Navy’s goal to accelerate Initial Operational Capability.
