The Boeing T-X aircraft, officially called the T-7A Red Hawk, is a new advanced training system being offered by Boeing in partnership with Saab for the T-X advanced pilot training programme of the US Air Force (USAF).
Prime contractor Boeing entered a joint development agreement with Saab, the risk-sharing partner for the project, to develop an all-new aircraft design for the T-X programme in December 2013.
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The first digitally designed T-7A Red Hawk aircraft was rolled out of the production line in April 2022. The aircraft moved from concept to first flight in just 36 months, using state-of-the-art design and manufacturing techniques.
The use of model-based systems engineering and three-dimensional (3D) tools improved the engineering quality by 75%, reduced assembly hours by 80% and software development and validation time by 50% when compared to traditional aircraft.
Boeing handed over the first T-7A Red Hawk aircraft to the USAF in September 2023.
In April 2024, the aircraft was subjected to rigorous testing, including climate control, escape system and flight control law tests at the Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. The aircraft will undergo further testing, including the next round of escape system testing, until 2025.
Boeing T-X Trainer design details
The T-X aircraft measures 47.73ft (14.54m) in length, 30.6ft (9.32m) in width and has a maximum cross-section of 37.7ft² (3.5m²).
Its clean-sheet design features an airframe comprising 144 doors and panels, a single engine, twin red tails, advanced cockpit stadium seating, embedded training systems, slats, and large root extensions for agile low-speed handling.
Aesthetically and functionally, the T-X mirrors fighter jets, with a twin-tail design for enhanced stability, control, built-in speed brake functionality, and safer aerial refuelling. The design prioritises maintenance ease, facilitating technology upgrades and straightforward access to essential components.
Maintenance-friendly attributes include a high wing, drop-down panels and doors, single-point refuelling, rapid engine replacement, quick-release panels, and interchangeable parts, all of which reduce maintenance time.
Cost-effective and versatile, the T-X is a competitive option in its class and adaptable to future training advancements. Its advanced training suite includes realistic simulation, computer-based modules, adaptive training, and comprehensive instructor tools.
The T-X is compatible with standard USAF ground equipment and uses established suppliers to simplify the supply chain. It also supports seamless future software updates through a ‘one push’ feature.
More than 1,000 pilots are expected to be trained in T-7A Red Hawk every year.
T-X programme details
The USAF unveiled the T-X programme requirements in March 2015, which was followed by the release of a draft request for proposals in July. The USAF plans to replace the T-38 Talon trainer aircraft with the new T-X aircraft.
Northrop Grumman-BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin-Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI), and Raytheon-Leonardo competed with the Boeing and Saab partnership for the T-X programme.
Raytheon/Leonardo offered the M-346-based T-100 Integrated Training System (ITS) for the programme while Lockheed Martin offered T-50A aircraft, a variant of the KAI T-50.
The USAF selected the Boeing T-X aircraft over its counterparts in September 2018, awarding a $9.2bn contract to Boeing for the delivery of 351 T-X aircraft, 46 simulators, and associated ground equipment in September 2018.
Boeing awarded a $117.6m contract to Saab to carry out the engineering, manufacturing and development (EMD) of the trainer aircraft in October 2018.
T-7A Red Hawk development details
The first two production-ready T-X aircraft were unveiled by Boeing and Saab in St Louis, Missouri, in September 2016. The first aircraft completed its maiden flight in December 2016, while the second made its first flight in April 2017.
The first engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) flight test of the T-X aircraft took place in July 2019 while the 100th flight was performed the following month.
In September 2019, the T-X aircraft was officially named T-7A Red Hawk by the USAF to honour the Tuskegee airmen who flew red-tailed P-51 Mustangs during World War II.
The aircraft was designed, built, and tested on a digital foundation as part of the USAF’s digital eSeries initiative announced in 2020.
Boeing started the production of the ground-based training simulators, including the T-7A weapons systems trainers, and an operational flight trainer at its St Louis site in December 2020.
The maiden flight of the first of five T-7A Red Hawk was completed in June 2023, signifying the commencement of the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase of the programme. The flight allowed the USAF to confirm critical attributes of the aircraft.
Ground-based training system details
GBTS offers ‘real-as-it-gets’ simulation to pilots for a real-world experience. The training simulators are fitted with high-fidelity crew stations with dynamic motion seats and the Boeing Constant Resolution Visual System’s 8K native projectors, which provide the highest resolution, 16 times the traditional high-definition video (1,080p) clarity.
The operational flight trainer and weapon systems simulators can digitally connect to the aircraft and offer live virtual constructive and embedded training scenarios to the training pilots for more accurate and immersive training.
Cockpit and avionics of Boeing T-X Trainer
A modern, fighter-like cockpit, equipped with flexible avionics, is integrated into the trainer. The cockpit features a modular large-area touchscreen display, improved visibility, and an upfront controller display, offering a range of training options for both instructors and students.
The stadium seating layout of the aircraft houses an instructor and a student. The seating arrangement offers an ideal position for the instructor and visibility to perform basic traffic pattern operations and advanced visual air combat training.
The JPATS 1-7-compliant seating also accommodates a range of individuals of different body sizes.
The cockpit is equipped with open architecture software and fly-by-wire flight controls ensuring excellent handling at all speeds, flight parameters, and high angle of attack.
The aircraft is equipped with Orbit Communication Systems’ Orion™ audio management system (AMS).
Boeing T-X engine details
The aircraft is powered by a GE F404-GE-103 engine, offering higher power, improved fuel efficiency and superior mission capability.
A trainer crew turned off the GE F404 engine mid-air at an altitude of 20,000ft, flew for 48 seconds, and then restarted it to test the reliability of the engine, in February 2020.
Advanced features of T-7A Red Hawk training system
T-7A Red Hawk will be used to prepare pilots to fly fifth-generation fighter aircraft. It will provide advanced capabilities such as high angle-of-attack flight, high gravity environment, and sensor and information management. The aircraft can also carry out operations at night.
Contractors involved
In October 2020, Raytheon subsidiary Collins Aerospace Systems was chosen by Boeing and Saab to supply its NAV-4500 navigation receivers for the aircraft.
TriMas Aerospace’s RSA Engineered Products (RSA) business received a contract to provide components used in fluid conveyance applications, particularly within the air ducting system, for the T-7A Red Hawk training system, in June 2022.
Boeing selected Rossell Techsys, the aerospace and defence (A&D) division of Rossell India, to manufacture and supply wire harnesses for the T-7A in February 2022.
Rohde & Schwarz, an international technology group, is providing the R&S MR6000R software-defined, multiband-capable airborne transceivers for the trainer aircraft.
In September 2022, Boeing partnered with Red 6, an augmented reality company, to develop aerial dogfighting technology and enhance training within the aircraft.
Red 6’s Advanced Tactical Augmented Reality System (ATARS) and Augmented Reality Command and Analytic Data Environment (ARCADE) will be incorporated into Boeing’s aircraft. The T-7 and F-15EX models are slated to be among the first to be equipped with the ATARS and ARCADE technologies.
Saab received two orders worth $71.2m and $101.7m in August 2022 and January 2024, respectively, for supplying fuselage systems for the T-7A Red Hawk aircraft.
