T-X programma ... the new trainer ... or next light multi-roll fighter ?

Gestart door Harald, 06/06/2016 | 10:41 uur

Harald

T-7 Arrives At Edwards, USAF Eyeing Light Fighter Version

Formal T-7 flight testing is now set to begin and talk about an F-7 fighter version could have broader ramifications for the Air Force.

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https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/t-7-arrives-at-edwards-usaf-eyeing-light-fighter-version

Harald

First Boeing T-7A Red Hawk lands at Edwards AFB to start USAF developmental flight test campaign

The first Boeing T-7A Red Hawk successfully arrived at Edwards Air Force Base, California, on Nov. 8, 2023, Chase Kohler, 412th Test Wing Public Affairs, reports. This milestone formally commences the Air Force's developmental flight test campaign for the aircraft, aimed at fielding a replacement pilot training capability for the 1960s-era Northrop T-38 Talon.



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https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2023-news-aviation-aerospace/november/9354-first-boeing-t-7a-red-hawk-lands-at-edwards-afb-to-start-usaf-developmental-flight-test-campaign.html

Harald

Air Force weighing turning T-7 into F-7 armed light attack jet: Official

Despite not talking to Boeing about development of a F-7 armed light attack aircraft based off the T-7A Red Hawk, a USAF official has revealed the service is interested in such a concept, and could look to replace older F-16s with it.

A US Air Force official has revealed the service is actively considering a new, armed variant of the Boeing T-7A Red Hawk, dubbed F-7, which could potentially replace older F-16 fighter jets.

A request for information (RFI) will be prepared to outline necessary requirements to industry, the official told Breaking Defense at the International Fighter Conference in Madrid, under the Chatham House Rule, adding that USAF has "not talked" to Boeing about developing the aircraft.

The decision to move out with a RFI implies that USAF wants to include the views of other contractors capable of weapons integration and additional technologies. The T-7 was built with an open architecture and digital design, which lend themselves to such development and industry collaboration.

The official declined to further elaborate on plans but Boeing has previously said the T-7, a trainer aircraft, could be retrofitted with missiles or bombs to replace Northrop Grumman F-5 and Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet platforms, according to Flight Global. A fleet of F-7s could help USAF maintain its shrinking fighter force structure as it seeks to offload aging weapon systems: while not as advanced as an F-35, an F-7 conceptually would provide roughly the same capability as a fourth-generation fighter.

Though the official at the conference said the Air Force had not talked to Boeing about developing a fighter variant of the T-7, a Boeing official told Breaking Defense the company and the service have discussed the T-7's future.

"Dialogue, conversations and brainstorming going on right now [with the US Air Force] are about T-7 next-generation training," said the Boeing official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "We've been very sensitive to focus on our first customer, so we are purposely delaying future discussion" of a F-7 or light attack jet type of concept.

The official added, "We don't want to drive bad perceptions internally with the Air Force, as we talk about all the great stuff that [the Red Hawk] is going to do in the future. Job number one is getting this jet to them because they really need it."

In a company statement issued today a Boeing spokesperson said, "We have always envisioned growth for the T-7 aircraft and believe it's an excellent candidate to fulfill many roles in the future, but right now we are focused on delivering the T-7A Red Hawk to the USAF as quickly and safely as possible."

Development issues relating to the T-7's ejection seat have forced an over two-year delay on the program, though the Air Force has stated that no further significant changes are expected to be made by Boeing before a Milestone C low-rate production decision takes place in 2025. The manufacturer has lost over $1.1 billion on the troubled effort, which covers delivery of 351 aircraft, 46 ground based training systems and related equipment.

A first of five T-7A Engineering, Manufacturing and Development (EMD) aircraft was accepted by the USAF in September. Two contractor owned jets have also completed over 500 flight hours. The program has recorded 9000 data points, added the Boeing official.

The trainer was originally designed using digital tools, simulation modeling and advanced manufacturing techniques to succeed the T-38C Talon.

The USAF has said that acquisition of the Red Hawk will allow pilots to focus on a wide range of technologies including data links, simulated radars, smart weapons and defensive management systems.

Industry has often turned training aircraft into light fighters, such as South Korea's FA-50, developed off the T-50 supersonic trainer, and Britain's Hawk.

https://breakingdefense.com/2023/11/air-force-weighing-turning-t-7-into-f-7-armed-light-attack-jet-official/

Harald

CitaatUSAF assessing its future post-F-16 affordable mass requirements. "Might be an improved F-16, might be an F-7 (armed T-7), but what is clear is that we can't afford to police the Super Bowl with an F-22*". - official.
https://twitter.com/GarethJennings3/status/1721471061038870598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1721471061038870598%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=

Zal de T-7A toch nog doorontwikkeld worden naar een Light/Attack Fighter ala F(A)-7

'Performs Like A Fighter'! Boeing-SAAB T-7A Red Hawk Aircraft

Harald

Boeing to deliver first T-7 to US Air Force, outlines testing plans



Boeing plans to deliver the U.S. Air Force's first T-7A Red Hawk on Tuesday, marking a major milestone for the trainer aircraft that has struggled with safety issues, software problems and schedule slips.

In a briefing at the Air and Space Forces Association's Air, Space and Cyber conference in National Harbor, Maryland, Col. Kirt Cassell, who leads the service's T-7A division, and Evelyn Moore, Boeing's vice president and program manager for the aircraft, also outlined plans for further deliveries and testing of the critical trainer.

The Air Force plans to buy 351 T-7s to replace its fleet of 504 aging T-38 Talon trainers. T-7s are designed to emulate a fifth-generation fighter, and will help new pilots learn how to fly advanced jets such as the F-22 and F-35.

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https://www.defensenews.com/air/2023/09/12/boeing-to-deliver-first-t-7-to-us-air-force-outlines-testing-plans/

Sparkplug

A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.


Sparkplug

Boeing Completes T-7A First Flight With U.S. Air Force

- Milestone marks the start of the engineering and manufacturing development phase of the program
- Boeing and the Air Force tested the aircraft in flight, validating key aspects of the next-generation trainer


Jun 28, 2023

Boeing and the U.S. Air Force today completed the inaugural flight of the service's first T-7A Red Hawk, marking the start of the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase of the program. (Photo: Boeing)


ST. LOUIS, June 28, 2023—Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Air Force today completed the inaugural flight of the service's first T-7A Red Hawk, marking the start of the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase of the program.

During the 1 hour and 3 minute flight, U.S. Air Force Maj. Bryce Turner, 416th Test Squadron, and Steve Schmidt, Boeing T-7 chief test pilot, validated key aspects of the aircraft and demonstrated the power and agility of the Air Force's first advanced trainer to be digitally designed, built and tested. The aircraft is one of five EMD aircraft that will be delivered to the Air Force Air Education and Training Command for further testing.

"The stable performance of the aircraft and its advanced cockpit and systems are game changers for U.S. Air Force student pilots and instructors alike," said Turner, whose grandfather and father were both U.S. Air Force fighter pilots. "We've come a long way in training since my family role models flew."

The T-7A's vibrant red tails are a tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American U.S. military aviators who flew red-tailed fighters during World War II.

The T-7A will enhance warfighter training through:
  • Improved pilot readiness: The all-new advanced pilot training system uses high resolution ground-based training systems and simulators to deliver robust and realistic integrated live, virtual and constructive training capabilities.
  • Safety: Model-based engineering enabled testing throughout the aircraft's design and build to help ensure safety before the first flight. The T-7A's cockpit egress system is the safest of any trainer.
  • Flexibility for any mission: With open architecture software and digital fly-by-wire controls, the T-7A supports training for a wide variety of fighter and bomber pilots and can evolve as technologies, threats and training needs change.
"This first flight with the Air Force represents our team's commitment to delivering a new level of safety and training for fighter and bomber pilots," said Evelyn Moore, vice president and program manager, Boeing T-7 Programs. "We remain focused on engineering ways to better prepare warfighters for changing mission demands and emerging threats."

"This is an exciting time for the entire team," said Col. Kirt Cassell, U.S. Air Force T-7A Red Hawk program manager. "The Red Hawk's digital design integrating advanced training capabilities will drastically improve pilot training for the next generation of fighter and bomber pilots."

The T-7A moved from firm concept to flight testing in 36 months. A combination of model-based engineering, 3D design and advanced manufacturing increased first-time quality by 75% and reduced assembly hours by 80%.

In 2018, the Air Force awarded Boeing a $9.2 billion contract for 351 T-7A advanced trainers, 46 simulators and support. The T-7A will replace the Air Force's aging T-38 aircraft.

https://boeing.mediaroom.com/news-releases-statements?item=131294#assets_20295_131294-117

The T-7A Red Hawk Jet Trainer Has Taken Its First Flight

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/the-t-7a-red-hawk-jet-trainer-has-taken-its-first-flight
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A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

Boeing Proposes T-7 Advanced Trainer for Australia?s Future Defence Pilots

- The new T-7 is an integrated aircraft and simulator system to train pilots.
- Already the trainer program of record for the U.S. Air Force, the T-7 offers Australia further interoperability with a key ally.

MELBOURNE, Australia, Feb. 28, 2023 ? Boeing [NYSE: BA] is ready to offer its T-7 advanced trainer to Australia to help ensure the mission-readiness of the country?s future defence pilots. The T-7 is a new cost-effective system combining a trainer aircraft with a ground-based simulator to replace older trainers.

The T-7 could be used to train future Australian pilots of F/A-18F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, F-35s and other defence aircraft using live and ?as real-as-it-gets? virtual simulation.

The announcement was made during the Avalon 2023 Australian International Airshow, where Boeing brought a T-7 simulator for customer demonstrations.

?The T-7 would fit right into the pilot training and aircraft sustainment our team currently provides for the Australian Defence Force,? said Scott Carpendale, vice president and managing director, Boeing Defence Australia. ?Because the U.S. and Australia already have a high degree of interoperability due to flying similar aircraft types, an Australian T-7 could lead to new joint training scenarios between the two countries.?

The T-7?s digital open architecture and reconfigurable cockpit means the trainer/simulator can be updated rapidly for decades to come. 

https://boeing.mediaroom.com/news-releases-statements?item=131216
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

Boeing Unveils First T-7A Red Hawk Advanced Trainer Jet to be Delivered to the U.S. Air Force


Apr 28, 2022
The first T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer has rolled out of the production facility in St. Louis, Missouri. Ushering in a new era of training for U.S. Air Force fighter and bomber pilots. The jets have red tails to honor the legendary Tuskegee Airmen who flew their aircraft with red tails during World War II. First jets scheduled to arrive at Joint Base San Antonio- Randolph next year. (Photo Credit- Eric Shindelbower)


ST. LOUIS, April 28, 2022 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] has unveiled the first T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer jet to be delivered to the U.S. Air Force. The jet, one of 351 the U.S. Air Force plans to order, was unveiled prior to official delivery.

The fully digitally designed aircraft was built and tested using advanced manufacturing, agile software development and digital engineering technology significantly reducing the time from design to first flight. The aircraft also features open architecture software, providing growth and flexibility to meet future mission needs.

"We're excited and honored to deliver this digitally advanced, next-generation trainer to the U.S. Air Force," said Ted Colbert, president and CEO, Boeing Defense, Space & Security. "This aircraft is a tangible example of how Boeing, its suppliers and partners are leading the digital engineering revolution. T-7A will prepare pilots for future missions for decades to come."

The T-7A Red Hawk incorporates a red-tailed livery in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II. These airmen made up the first African American aviation unit to serve in the U.S. military.

"The Tuskegee Airmen are one of the most celebrated units in our Air Force history, and the  T-7A honors the bravery and skill of these trailblazers, said Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., Chief of Staff of the Air Force. "Like the Airmen they were named and painted to pay homage to, the T-7A Red Hawks break down the barriers of flight. These digitally-engineered aircraft will make it possible for a diverse cross section of future fighter and bomber pilots to be trained, and provide an advanced training system and capabilities that will meet the demands of today's and tomorrow's national security environment."

The aircraft will remain in St. Louis where it will undergo ground and flight tests before being delivered to the U.S. Air Force. The T-7A program resides at Boeing's St. Louis facility with the aft section of the trainer being built by Saab in Linkoping, Sweden. Saab will soon start producing that section at their new production facility in West Lafayette, Indiana.

https://boeing.mediaroom.com/news-releases-statements?item=131043#assets_20295_131043-117
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Harald


Seen in USN colours as part of Boeing's pitch for the service's Undergraduate Jet Training System requirement, the T-7A Red Hawk is likely to be one of the candidate platforms put forward for the USN's recently released Tactical Surrogate Aircraft requirement.


Navy Follows Air Force In Wanting Another Jet Trainer Variant For Aggressor And Support Roles


The chosen trainer would be expected to offer fighter-like qualities and take the strain off the frontline combat fleet.

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https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/42839/navy-follows-air-force-in-wanting-another-jet-trainer-variant-for-aggressor-and-support-roles

US Navy seeks new 'Aggressor' training aircraft

The US Navy (USN) has issued a request for information (RFI) for a new Aggressor aircraft for 'red air' combat training.

The Tactical Surrogate Aircraft (TSA) requirement released on 21 October would see a new aircraft type perform three primary pilot training missions, namely to augment flight time and training in front-line type model series aircraft, provide adversary air support, and to serve as a flight lead aircraft for fleet replacement squadrons.

"The aircraft needs to simulate and/or replicate current and future fighter aircraft systems by providing the training environment and relevant experience to build tactical skills, systems management skills, and decision-making skills required for weapon system employment actions. These actions will be influenced by environmental information, avionics outputs, sensor data, weapon-cueing, and manoeuvre elements," the RFI said.

Under the terms of the solicitation, the USN intends to procure a notional 64 aircraft over three to four years starting from fiscal year (FY) 2024 or FY 2025.

Requirements issued by the service include a twin-seat aircraft that can be configured for single-pilot operation, an open architecture avionics suite with large-area cockpit displays that can replicate the displays and systems of front-line aircraft, a low-cost helmet-mounted display system, hands-on throttle and stick pilot controls, single pylons under each wing that can carry weapons, fuel tanks, and/or electronic warfare/attack pods. It should have a speed of Mach 0.9 at 10,000 ft, a service ceiling of 45,000 ft, a +7.5 g structural limit, and a 90-minute endurance (including 30 minutes of tactical manoeuvring).

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/us-navy-seeks-new-aggressor-training-aircraft


Sparkplug

US Air Force delays expected T-7A Milestone C decision, requests less money

18 JUNE 2021

by Pat Host

The US Air Force (USAF) has delayed its expected Milestone C decision for the Boeing T-7A Red Hawk jet trainer because of technical issues, and is requesting less money for the programme in fiscal year (FY) 2022 than previously anticipated.


An undated photo of the USAF Boeing T-7A Red Hawk jet trainer. The USAF is delaying its Milestone C decision for the programme because of parts shortages, initial design delays, and additional testing required due to discovery of aircraft wing rock. (Boeing)

The review for whether the T-7A programme should enter low-rate initial production (LRIP) from engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) is scheduled for July–September 2023, according to the service's FY 2022 budget request. The USAF, in its FY 2021 budget proposal, expected Milestone C to take place in April–June 2022. USAF spokesman Captain Jacob Bailey said on 17 June that the most recent Milestone C estimate had it planned for October–November 2022.

Capt Bailey said on 16 June that the Milestone C delay was caused by parts shortages and initial design delays, and additional testing was required because of the discovery of aircraft wing rock.

According to Capt Bailey, wing rock is a phenomenon that often occurs on aircraft with swept wings. At high angles of attack, one of the wings may begin to stall, resulting in the aircraft rolling slightly to that side.

When the stalled wing goes down, it stops stalling. However, the opposite wing begins to stall, making the aircraft roll to the other side. The process repeats, causing the aircraft to rock back and forth.

The T-7A programme has inherent schedule risk because of the aggressive nature of the programme's schedule, Capt Bailey said.

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https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/us-air-force-delays-expected-t-7a-milestone-c-decision-requests-less-money

A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Harald

First Boeing-Saab T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer assembled in record time

In a historic moment, the front fuselage of the first Boeing-Saab T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer was joined perfectly with its aft section in less than 30 minutes — a testament to the digital heritage of the U.S. Air Force's first "eSeries" aircraft and witness to the benefits of model-based engineering and 3D design.

The digital splice was completed in 95% less time than traditional splices and with substantial quality improvements. "This moment marks a key stage in the evolution of the T-7A Red Hawk," said Chuck Dabundo, vice president and program manager of Boeing T-7 programs. "Employing digitally advanced manufacturing and build techniques developed by Boeing over the past two decades, we are bringing this trainer to future pilots sooner than ever before possible and with greater quality."

The aft fuselage was designed and built by Saab in Linköping, Sweden, under a joint development agreement with Boeing. After making the journey of more than 4,500 miles (7,200 kilometers) to St. Louis, the aft section was lined up perfectly to the forward fuselage by Boeing aircraft mechanics.

The aircraft, which will be used for static tests, is the first engineering and manufacturing development test asset to be spliced. It will be followed by five engineering and manufacturing development jets as part of 351 T-7A Red Hawk trainers to be produced for the U.S. Air Force.

"What we're seeing in this new evolution of digitally designed, engineered and manufactured aircraft is a 50% improvement in overall production quality and as much as a 98% reduction in drilling defects," said Andrew Stark, Boeing T-7A Red Hawk production director. "It's a new way of producing airplanes with improved quality throughout the whole journey."

https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2021/may/7312-first-boeing-saab-t-7a-red-hawk-advanced-trainer-assembled-in-record-time.html


Sparkplug

A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.