The U.S. Army has formalized a contract with Textron Aviation to acquire Special Missions-configured aircraft, encompassing models such as the Cessna SkyCourier, Grand Caravans, Beechcraft King Air 360s, and 260s. Facilitated through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) provision, this indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract allows for potential acquisitions of up to $100 million within a five-year timeframe.
Bob Gibbs, Textron's VP of Special Mission Sales, emphasized that this agreement aligns with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's recent directive to enhance and expedite the Department of Defense's institutional processes for executing FMS cases. The contract aims to provide highly capable commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) aircraft, adaptable with COTS releasable technology, with the added benefit of expediting acquisition and contracting timelines from months or years to mere weeks.
The initial deliveries under this contract will include two Beechcraft King Air 360ER (extended range) turboprop twins designated for the Peruvian Naval Aviation Force, along with a third King Air 360ER assigned to the Ecuadorian Navy. These aircraft are earmarked for maritime patrol duties, surveilling the Exclusive Economic Zones of the respective countries.