August 16, 2009: Iraq is buying seven U.S. T-6A "Texan II" trainer/attack aircraft, via the U.S. Air Force. This package deal, which includes training, spares and maintenance, will cost $171 million. Back in the 1990s, the T-6A was selected by the U.S. Air Force as the replacement for the half century old T-37Bs (which were basically worn out). This was because the T-6A design is based on the very popular Pilatus PC-9, which already had an excellent reputation as a trainer aircraft. The U.S. Air Force began using the T-6A six years ago.
A single engine prop driven aircraft, the T-6A, reduces fuel costs by over 60 percent (compared to the T-37B). The three ton T-6As cost about $8 million each. Iraq wants to eventually buy 56 T-6As, including 36 of the T-6B models, which are equipped for combat operations. The AT-6 can carry about half a ton of weapons (bombs, missiles, machine-gun pods).
