JPATS Series

The Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) line item (LI 0571) in the Department of the Navy's FY 2026 budget funds a series of critical modifications to the Navy's T-6 Primary Trainer and AT-6E Light Attack aircraft systems. The primary objective of this program is to address safety concerns, correct deficiencies, and mitigate obsolescence in these aging aircraft and their associated Ground Based Training Systems (GBTS). Managed by Program Management Air (PMA) 273, in coordination with the U.S. Air Force-led JPATS program office, the program ensures that the Navy's training fleet remains safe, reliable, and capable of supporting the Chief of Naval Air Training's (CNATRA) mission to train Student Naval Aviators (SNA) and Naval Flight Officers (NFO).

AIRFRAME/PROPULSION (OSIP 008-20): This Operational Safety Improvement Program (OSIP) focuses on modifications to the T-6 airframe and propulsion systems to enhance safety, reliability, and maintainability. The FY 2026 funding supports nonrecurring engineering, Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) processing, procurement of modification kits, and retrofits for components such as the rudder pedal shaft, Under Water Activated Release System (UWARS), Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT), and the 0106A oxygen concentrator. These efforts address issues related to aging aircraft, obsolescence, and Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS), ensuring continued readiness and supportability for Navy pilot training.

AVIONICS (OSIP 009-20): The avionics modification program is designed to update and modernize the T-6's avionics and electrical systems to improve safety, reliability, and mission capability. FY 2026 funding is allocated for the replacement and upgrade of critical avionics components, including the Crash Survivable Cockpit Voice Recorder, Distance Measuring Equipment, and Integrated Avionics Computers (IACs). The program also addresses obsolescence and DMSMS issues, enhances situational awareness, and supports the integration of new technologies to meet evolving training requirements. These upgrades are essential for maintaining compliance with safety standards and ensuring effective pilot training.

AT-6E Aircraft Modernization (013-26): This OSIP targets the Navy's recently acquired AT-6E aircraft, focusing on modifications to the airframe, avionics, and propulsion systems. The FY 2026 request funds the procurement and installation of Universal Water-Activated Release Systems and improved 0106A oxygen concentrators, addressing safety, reliability, and obsolescence concerns. These modifications are necessary to maintain operational readiness, airworthiness, and supportability for the AT-6E fleet, which supports advanced training and test pilot school requirements.

Archived OSIPs: This budget line also includes funding for previously completed or inactive modification programs, which are reflected as Archived OSIPs. These represent historical investments in system improvements, such as earlier ECPs for airframe and avionics upgrades, and do not require new funding in FY 2026. Their inclusion provides a comprehensive view of the total investment made in sustaining and modernizing the JPATS fleet over time.

The FY 2026 JPATS budget request also reflects reductions in advisory and assistance services, as well as civilian personnel costs, in alignment with Executive Orders 14222 and 14210. These reductions promote government efficiency and workforce optimization, streamlining program management while maintaining the core objectives of safety, reliability, and mission capability.