Hawker Beechcraft of Wichita, Kan., has signed an agreement with the Salina Airport Authority in Salina, Kan., to use the airport and its airspace to train Air Force pilots and maintainers if the company wins the contract to supply USAF’s Light Air Support aircraft. “Salina and the surrounding area have every resource we need to produce combat-ready pilots and maintainers,” said Derek Hess, the company’s director for light attack, in a release. Hawker Beechcraft is offering the Air Force the AT-6 light attack aircraft in the competition. Service officials evaluated the AT-6 last year. The Air Force is expected award the contract by mid year. Service officials seek a non-developmental aircraft optimized for roles like surveillance and close air support that airmen can use to train members of partner air forces.
The Air Force wants to “own and run” more of its air bases, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach said Nov. 6, in what could be a major potential revamp the military’s joint base program. Speaking at the Airlift/Tanker Association’s 2026 Symposium, Wilsbach said he and the…