T-7A Red Hawk

The US Air Force (USAF) T-X is a replacement program for the aging T-38 training jet announced in March 2015 and envisaged as trainer aircraft family of systems. The USAF took this overdue decision due to the fact that the T-38 was no longer a practical trainer for newer, more advanced aircraft such as 4th and 5th generation jets. For example 12 of 18 training tasks can't be completed using the T-38 aircraft which means that combat units must complete the training at a much greater cost. The T-38's cockpit and sensor management fall below what is needed in current jets and the overall aircraft availability is below 75 percent since 2011 due to an airframe designed back in 1961. The T-X trainer program most relevant requirements are: sustained G-loads; simulator visual acuity and performance; and aircraft sustainment. Besides, the new trainer will deliver embedded training with synthetic sensors and data link. The USAF is also considering the T-X as a potential adversary role aircraft or 'red air' during live-fly exercises. A contract awarded for 350 T-X aircraft to replace 431 T-38s is planned for the fall of 2017. Initial operational capability (IOC) is anticipated by the end of 2023. On September 27, 2018, Boeing was awarded a $9.2 billion contract for 351 jets plus 46 training devices to be delivered through 2034. The contract includes options for 475 aircraft and 120 ground-based training devices.

deagel.com: https://www.deagel.com/x/x/a003142