Esterline CMC Electronics (CMC) has featured its fully integrated glass Cockpit 4000 avionics suite on-board the new Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) AT-6 Light Attack and Armed Reconnaissance (LAAR) prototype aircraft which is making its first appearance at HBC's static display at Farnborough, 2010.

The AT-6 prototype is a light attack and armed reconnaissance version of HBC's T-6 A/B/C Texan trainer. Designed to provide close air support and meet the demands of the irregular warfare environment, the AT-6 is outfitted with a more powerful engine, a variety of self-protection mechanisms, multiple secure communications functions and surveillance capabilities. Like the T-6B military trainer, the AT-6 prototype features CMC's integrated avionics suite.

Jean-Michel Comtois, CMC's vice president, marketing and sales, government and public affairs, said, "We are extremely pleased that HBC has selected our Cockpit 4000 integrated glass cockpit for the AT-6 prototype. CMC is well positioned to support this HBC aircraft since our cockpit avionics suite is designed to span the mission needs of both the trainer and light attack aircraft. "

The Cockpit 4000 encompasses the full suite of primary flight, engine and navigation displays, and was certified recently by the FAA as installed on the T-6B trainer aircraft for the U.S. Navy. It comprises new-technology equipment that integrates CMC's key product lines, such as flight management systems, global positioning systems, head-up displays, navigation and mission processors, multi-function displays and control panels.

The T-6B Texan is based on the successful Beechcraft T-6A, already in service as the U.S. military's Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) aircraft, and is also the primary trainer for the NATO Flying Training Canada (NFTC), the Hellenic Air Force of Greece, the Israeli Air Force and Iraqi Air Force. Through the introduction of the CMC advanced avionics upgrade, the T-6B aircraft retains all of the inherent training and flying characteristics that have made the T-6A the most successful primary trainer in the world, while introducing a state-of-the-art open architecture advanced avionics suite that mirrors the systems and capabilities of today's front-line military aircraft.