Textron Aviation Defense LLC, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced that if awarded the Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) program contract by the U.S. Navy, it will assemble the Beechcraft M-346N at its east campus in Wichita, Kansas — the historic home of the Beechcraft brand for nearly a century. The announcement reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering the most advanced jet integrated training system for the U.S. Navy.
Textron Aviation Defense expects to invest more than $38 million to modernize more than 50,000 square feet of existing manufacturing space on the company’s east Wichita campus if awarded the contract. The program is expected to create an estimated 100 direct manufacturing jobs in Wichita, along with numerous indirect jobs supporting aircraft production and assembly.
"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. This announcement underscores our 85-year legacy of supporting the U.S. government with training aircraft from the American heartland." Travis Tyler, president & CEO, Textron Aviation Defense
Market forecasts by Region, Component, Simulator, Type, Service, Software, Hardware, and by End-User. Market and Technology Overview, Market Dynamics, Impact and Opportunity Analysis, and Leading Companies
Download free sample pages More informationThe Beechcraft M-346N is the centerpiece of a low-risk, operationally proven integrated training system featuring Live-Virtual-Constructive capabilities optimized for advanced naval training. With more than 100 M-346 aircraft produced by Leonardo and a decade of performance training aviators for fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft, the M-346N offers a reliable, high-performance solution for the Navy’s next-generation training needs.
The U.S. Navy has issued several Requests for Information ahead of an anticipated Request for Proposals for the UJTS program. Textron Aviation Defense anticipates the Navy will announce the contract award in January 2027 and believes that it is well-positioned to support the Navy’s objective of accelerating Initial Operational Capability (IOC).
"Textron Aviation’s decision to assemble the Beechcraft M-346N in Wichita is a testament to the world-class aviation workforce present in Kansas. This aircraft is the right solution to meet the Navy’s future training requirements. I will continue my work on the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee to make certain our Navy pilots have the necessary resources and equipment to support their mission." Sen. Jerry Moran (Kansas)
About the Beechcraft M-346N
The Beechcraft M-346N is a twin-engine, tandem-seat aircraft equipped with fully digital flight controls and avionics. It features a fly-by-wire flight control system with quadruple redundancy, a Head-Up Display and Large Area Display in each cockpit and hands-on throttle and stick (HOTAS) controls. Innovative safety features include the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto-GCAS).
Powered by two Honeywell F124-GA-200 turbofan engines, the M-346N delivers a maximum cruise speed of more than 590 knots and a service ceiling of 45,000 feet. Its advanced aerodynamic design enables exceptional maneuverability and energy management, while the elevated rear cockpit provides instructors with excellent visibility throughout all phases of flight.
"Textron Aviation’s commitment to assembling the Beechcraft M-346N in Wichita is a testament to their rich heritage in the Air Capital of the World and their responsiveness to the needs of the United States Navy. As a steady defender of our aviation industry, I commend Textron’s leadership for investing in our skilled Kansas workforce and strengthening our military readiness." U.S. Congressman Ron Estes (Kansas)
