Talking Trainers.

The article reports that Turkey expects to decide on a new trainer aircraft this year. The Turkish program is specifying a tandem-seat configuration and single turboprop propulsion system. At first, there were discussions between Turkey and the U.S. about a foreign military sales purchase of the Raytheon T-6A Texan II, which the Pentagon is buying under its Joint Primary Aircraft Training System project. In the long run it is anticipated that Turkey will buy an advanced jet trainer for which the Korea Aircraft Industries/Lockheed Martin T-50 and the Italian M346 trainer are seen as strong candidates.