OREANDA-NEWS. Textron Inc. today publicly launched the latest edition to its family of strong aviation and military brands, unveiling Textron Airborne Solutions for participation at the Royal International Air Tattoo and the Farnborough International Airshow.

Textron Airborne Solutions Inc. (formerly known as Textron Advanced Aviation Training Inc.) is developing a live air training business that initially includes ATAC (Airborne Tactical Advantage Company) which was recently acquired by Textron. ATAC is focused on training military pilots, ship crews, and ground support forces in fighter tactics, carrier strike group defense and air-to-ground strike control. The business seeks to add additional training service offerings and businesses over the coming months.

With over 44,000 training flight hours and 20 years of experience, ATAC has pioneered much of what are now industry standards in the growing tactical airborne training services industry. “The tactical live air training market is vibrant and expanding, and the acquisition of ATAC gives us a tremendous platform from which to grow,” said Russ Bartlett, CEO of Textron Airborne Solutions. “U.S. and allied militaries are increasingly taking advantage of the significant cost and operational benefits that are derived from outsourcing airborne training services, and ATAC is the leading provider in that market,” he added.

The benefits of outsourcing tactical air services include reduction on wear and tear of existing combat aircraft, preservation of combat readiness, significant cost savings per flight hour over organic combat aircraft, and the enabling of military pilots to focus on operations training support functions.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Bad Boy Off Road, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training.