In 1995, the selection of Beech Aircraft Corporation of Wichita, Kansas, to develop and deliver the JPATS was made.

The aircraft would be manufactured by Raytheon, Beechcraft's parent company, starting in the late 1990s and into the early 21st century.

The companies that initially responded and competed were Vought, Northrop, Grumman, Rockwell, Beechcraft, Lockheed, and Cessna.

In 1988, the United States Navy (USN) and the United States Air Force (USAF) were at a unique moment in history; they reached a point where they could work together, and provide a cost-effective solution to pilot production, specifically primary training.

Beechcraft/Raytheon, with a modified Swiss Pilatus PC-9 Mk 2 aircraft, was awarded the prime contract on 22 June 1995.