Joint Primary Aircraft Training System

The Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) is a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) managed under the Major Capability Acquisition pathway. Operating under Acquisition Category IC, JPATS provides primary fixed-wing aircraft training capabilities for the U.S. military. The program encompasses both aircraft systems and associated ground-based training systems, with significant focus on the T-6 Texan II aircraft platform and its supporting infrastructure.

The contract awards span from 1996 to 2016, with values ranging from small purchases under $10,000 to major production orders exceeding $1 billion. Primary contractors include Raytheon Aircraft Company (later Beechcraft Defense Company LLC and Textron Aviation Defense LLC) for aircraft production and Honeywell International for technical services. The majority of contracts are Firm Fixed Price, with some Cost Plus Fixed Fee arrangements for technical services. Notable deliverables include T-6A/B aircraft production, Contractor Operated and Maintained Base Supply (COMBS) services, Ground Based Training System (GBTS) support, and Foreign Military Sales to countries including Iraq, Morocco, and Israel. Primary funding agencies are the Air Force's Aeronautical Systems Center and Naval Air Systems Command. While most contracts are unrestricted, some utilized 8(a) and small business set-asides for support services. Principal places of performance include Wichita, Kansas and various military installations.