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The Final T-X Countdown

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IDGA Editor
08/28/2018

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As we near the final days of summer, the countdown to see who will be awarded the T-X Contract is coming to an end. The last three contractors still in the race, Boeing, Leonardo, and Lockheed Martin, each have pros and cons.

 

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The T-X program is a United States Air Force initiative to replace the current Northrop T-38 Talon fleet. The current fleet is outdated and costly. Most importantly, it doesn't support the technology needed to train pilots for the 5th generation fighter and bomber operations that will encompass more than 60% of all combat air forces come 2031.

The main question asked by civilians and military alike is “What is the T -X?” The answer is often elusive. Because a contractor has yet to be chosen, no one truly knows what the T-X will be. While there are a series of requirements each jet must meet in order to be considered for the contract, the final decision is still to be determined.

As the timeline for selecting the winner closes, potential competitors are narrowing. The most likely choice will be between three main contenders: Boeing-Saab, Lockheed Martin-Korean Aerospace Industries, and Leonardo DRS. The Air Education and Training Command (AETC) plans to the announce their final decision within the next few weeks; in the meantime, get to know the jets competing to train the next Air Force Trainer.

Boeing-Saab T-X
First on the docket is Boeing-Saab’s T-X. Boeing and Saab announced their official partnership in December of 2013. Three years later, two T-X aircrafts were built and had already flown maiden flights. The jet features a single engine, twin vertical tail fins, and stadium seating. Its clean sheet design is attractive to those looking for a completely new take, not based on a pre-existing aircraft already in service.

With promises of high maneuverability and a high Angle-of-Attack (AoA), the T-X is also lauded for the logistical friendliness of its F404 engine. Considering that this is the same engine that powers the Boeing F/A-18 “Hornet” family (already in the U.S. military pipeline), this is favorable within the USAF. If chosen as the winner of the official T-X, the final assembly of the jet will take place in St. Louis, Missouri (with a few parts being manufactured in Sweden).

Leonardo DRS T-100
US-based defense contractor Leonardo DRS is also in the running for the T-X competition. Unlike Boeing-Saab’s T-X, the T-100 is not a new aircraft. Previously a joint project with Russian company Yakovlev, the T-100 is a variant of Leonardo’s M-346, which is currently used in Italy, Israel, Poland, and Singapore. The T-100 features a twin engine and tandem seating; it is designed for a wide range of training missions, long range reliability, and has updated cockpit avionics with the latest Large Area Display (LAD). Furthermore, the jet’s integrated training system (ITS) offers flight simulations designed to replicate the capabilities of advanced fighters like the F-35. These features are the reason many refer to it as the epitome of a 5th generation combat aircraft. If chosen for the USAF’s T-X, the T-100 will be built in Tuskegee, AL.


Lockheed Martin-Korean Aerospace Industries T-50A
Rounding out the top three is Lockheed Martin-Korean Aerospace Industries’ T-50A. The original T-50 was designed by KAI and LM in 2002 and used as a trainer aircraft in Korean, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Iraq. Although known for their innovative aircraft, LM-KAI does not feel the need to reinvent the wheel with this go-around. The new T-50A features air refueling capabilities, embedded training, an open system architecture, and a 5th generation cockpit. Made specifically to train 5th generation pilots, the T-50A will also offer a seamless transition from the old system to the new. LM- KAI has already produced 179 original T-50s, and seen great success with them. Their goal is simply to improve upon what has been working and upgrade it for 5th generation pilots. If selected for the T-X, the T-50A will be built in Greenville, South Carolina.


With the final decision coming in just a couple of weeks, the next few months are sure to be an interesting time. By December of 2018, changes will likely be well underway, just in time for the 4th Military Flight Training Summit, running December 5-7th in San Antonio, TX. To join us for this year’s event, don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to seeing you there!

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