Textron Aviation Defence LLC, a division of Textron Inc., has announced plans to assemble the Beechcraft M-346N at its historic east Wichita campus if it secures the U.S. Navy’s Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) contract. The announcement underscores both the company’s commitment to next-generation naval aviation training and Wichita’s long-standing legacy as a hub of aircraft innovation.

The Beechcraft M-346N is a twin-engine, tandem-seat advanced jet trainer, built around fully digital flight controls and avionics. Featuring a fly-by-wire system with quadruple redundancy, Head-Up Displays (HUD), Large Area Displays (LAD) in each cockpit, and hands-on throttle and stick (HOTAS) controls, the M-346N offers a modern, low-risk training solution for U.S. Navy pilots. Innovative safety systems such as the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto-GCAS) enhance operational safety, while the Honeywell F124-GA-200 turbofan engines provide speeds exceeding 590 knots and a service ceiling of 45,000 feet.

Textron Aviation Defense plans to invest over 38 million dollars to modernize more than 50,000 square feet of existing manufacturing space at the Wichita campus. The initiative is projected to create approximately 100 direct manufacturing jobs, with additional indirect employment supporting assembly and production operations.

“The Beechcraft M-346N is the centerpiece of a proven, integrated training system, optimized for advanced naval training with Live-Virtual-Constructive capabilities,” said Travis Tyler, President and CEO of Textron Aviation Defense. “Wichita has been at the heart of Beechcraft innovation for nearly a century, and we are proud to continue this tradition while supporting the Navy’s next-generation training needs.”

U.S. Navy officials have issued multiple Requests for Information in advance of a formal Request for Proposals for the UJTS program, with a contract award expected in January 2027. Textron Aviation Defense is positioning itself as a strong candidate to deliver rapid Initial Operational Capability while leveraging its decades-long expertise producing training aircraft.

Local political leaders also voiced support. Senator Jerry Moran commented on the announcement, highlighting Textron’s commitment to equipping Navy pilots with the tools they need. U.S. Congressman Ron Estes emphasized the importance of Textron’s investment in Kansas’ skilled workforce and its impact on U.S. military readiness.

With more than 100 M-346 aircraft already produced by Leonardo, the platform brings a decade of operational experience preparing aviators for fourth- and fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Its exceptional maneuverability, energy management, and elevated instructor visibility make it a high-performance, low-risk solution for the Navy’s next-generation training goals.

Textron Aviation Defense’s proposed Wichita production of the M-346N demonstrates the company’s enduring commitment to both American aviation heritage and modern military pilot training, reinforcing Wichita’s reputation as the Air Capital of the World.