The Beechcraft T-54A Marlin II is a new multi-engine training aircraft for the U.S. Navy. It is a variant of the Beechcraft King Air 260, and it will replace the T-44C Pegasus, which has been in service since 1977. The T-54A is the aircraft portion of the Multi-Engine Training System (METS). Its mission is to assure multi-engine and tilt-rotor aviators have an advanced platform that best represents fleet aircraft and equips them for the battlespace. The T-54A will provide advanced instrument and asymmetric engine handling training to student naval aviators selected for multi-engine fleet communities within the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and select U.S. allies. The T-54A has an updated avionics suite and advanced automation capabilities to enhance naval aviator competencies.
The T-54A features a pressurized cockpit with side-by-side seating and a jump seat. Its avionics include multi-function displays, an integrated GPS/inertial navigation system, and a flight management system. The aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp PT6A-52 engines, producing 550 horsepower each. It has a max takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds, an operating airspeed of 259 knots, an altitude limit of 35,000 feet, and a mission range of 1,640 nautical miles. The T-54A technology captures data that allows for Condition-Based Maintenance Plus, which enables the Navy to trend aircraft wellbeing over time to facilitate maintenance planning and efficiency. Because of this, the T-54A is a modern platform that better represents fleet aircraft.
The Navy took delivery of the first T-54A Marlin II at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi in April 2024, and declared Initial Operational Capability in May 2025. The T-54A will meet training requirements for the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and select U.S. allies through 2055. The contract with Textron Aviation is for up to 64 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled through 2026. The T-44C sundown will begin six months after the first delivery of the T-54A. Due to its ProLine Fusion avionics suite and increased range, speed, and altitude, the T-54A ensures that aviators are well-prepared to operate intricate fleet aircraft.
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What is the Beechcraft T-54A Marlin II?
The Beechcraft T-54A Marlin II is an American military practice plane. It is the aircraft portion of the multi-engine training system (METS) and the T-54A variant of the King Air 260 will serve as the US Navy's new multi-engine trainer. The T-54A Marlin II has air conditioning and autothrottles. The Beechcraft King Air 260 METS Special Missions aircraft is manufactured and delivered by Textron Aviation.
What are the specifications of the Beechcraft Beechcraft T-54A Marlin II?
The Beechcraft T-54A Marlin II is a multi-engine training platform for Navy, students, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. Contractor is Textron Aviation Incorporated. Crew includes a pilot and co-pilot (student). The aircraft has a length of 13.11 meters (43 feet, 10 inches), height of 4.52 meters (14 feet, 10 inches), and wingspan of 17.65 meters (57 feet, 11 inches). Empty weight is about 4,860 pounds, and max takeoff weight is about 12,500 pounds (5.7 metric tons). Propulsion is two Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp PT6A-52 engines, each producing 550 horsepower. Maximum operating airspeed is 259 knots (298 miles per hour), and cruise speed is around 300 miles per hour (483 kilometers per hour). Altitude limit for normal operation is 35,000 feet (10,668 meters), and mission range is 1,640 nautical miles (3,037 kilometers).
What is the performance Beechcraft T-54A Marlin II?
The performance of the Beechcraft T-54A Marlin II is given in the table below.
| Aspect | Value |
|---|---|
| Range | 1,640 nm |
| Speed | 259 kts |
| Altitude | 35,000 ft |
| Engine | PT6A-52 Pratt & Whitney |
| Power | 550 hp |
| Weight | 12,500 lbs |
| climb | 700 fpm |
| Fuel | 10 gph |
| Payload | 450 kg |
| Empty | 1100 lbs |
The Beechcraft T-54A Marlin II has a maximum operating airspeed of 259 knots (480 km/h), or 480 km/h (259 knots). Its mission range is 1,640 nautical miles (3,037 km) and its altitude limit for normal operation is 35,000 feet (10,668 meters). Propulsion comes from two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-52 engines, each producing 550 horsepower. The max takeoff weight is 12,500 pounds (5,670 kilograms). Due to its turboprop engines, it can cruise at 259 knots as well.
What is the price for the Beechcraft T-54A Marlin II?
The Beechcraft T-54A Marlin II has a buying price of about $10.58 million. The unit flyaway cost is $10.27 million. The flyaway cost excludes support and training. The total cost per aircraft is about 10.6 million dollars. The standard commercial Beechcraft 260 has a price per plane of about $7 million.
Expert behind this article
Jim Goodrich
Jim Goodrich is a pilot, aviation expert and founder of Tsunami Air.
