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Hawker, Lockheed Form LAAR Team

Sept. 16, 2009

Hawker Beechcraft Corp. and Lockheed Martin have joined forces to compete for USAF’s new light attack aircraft, the companies announced Sept. 15. Hawker already announced plans to offer an attack version of its T-6 trainer. Lockheed will provide mission systems integration for the AT-6. The Air Force said last month that it wanted to explore options to quickly field a new, light attack/armed reconnaissance (LAAR) aircraft that can operate from dirt fields in forward operating locations. HBC Chairman and CEO Bill Boisture said the new teaming arrangement “marks a big step forward in working to meet the Air Force’s emerging irregular warfare needs.” Marillyn Hewson, president of Lockheed’s Systems Integration, said the team offers “the best of both worlds: a proven platform and a proven mission system integration capability.” (Hawker Beechcraft release and Lockheed Martin release)

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