Textron Aviation Defense has unveiled intentions to establish its Beechcraft M-346N light aircraft production in Wichita, Kansas, contingent upon winning the US Navy’s Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) bid. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize military training capabilities, with Textron planning to invest over $38 million to enhance its east Wichita facility, spanning 50,000 square feet.
This project is projected to generate approximately 100 new manufacturing jobs, along with additional opportunities for local suppliers and associated industries. Travis Tyler, the president and CEO of Textron Aviation Defense, emphasized Wichita’s long history of innovation within the Beechcraft lineage, aiming to uphold that legacy while meeting the Navy’s evolving training requirements. Tyler remarked on the company’s longstanding commitment to support the US government with training aircraft developed from the heart of America.
Local officials have echoed the positive implications of this initiative, which is seen as a significant boost to Kansas’ aerospace sector. Senator Jerry Moran praised the proposal as a testament to the state’s “world-class aviation workforce,” reaffirming his commitment to bolstering military pilot training initiatives. Similarly, Wichita Mayor Lily Wu highlighted the importance of the city’s ongoing contributions to the aviation industry, stating that the potential success reflects confidence in both Wichita’s workforce and the future of aerospace manufacturing in the region.
Textron, together with its partner Leonardo, announced its intention to propose the M-346N for the UJTS program back in July 2025. This initiative aims to replace the aging T-45 Goshawk trainers that have been utilized for years. The proposed airframe will complement the existing Textron-manufactured T-6 Texan II and T-54A Marlin aircraft, providing a seamless transition for student pilots from basic flight training to advanced jet operations.
The US Navy is set to release formal bidding documents for the UJTS program in the near future, with a contract award expected in January 2027.
The Beechcraft M-346N aircraft is inspired by the original Leonardo M-346 design, which debuted in the 2000s to train pilots for advanced fighter aircraft. It features a two-seat configuration, cutting-edge avionics, and an embedded tactical training system designed to enhance its flight simulation capabilities. The aircraft measures 11 meters (36 feet) in length with a wingspan of 10 meters (33 feet) and is powered by two Honeywell F124 engines. It can reach a maximum speed of 590 knots (1,093 kilometers or 679 miles per hour), has a range of approximately 1,300 nautical miles (2,407 kilometers or 1,496 miles), and can operate at an altitude of 13,715 meters (44,997 feet).
