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U.S. Air Force Embraces Boeing’s T-7A Red Hawk in Advanced Pilot Training Push
ST. LOUIS, MO (AFNS) – On September 14, the U.S. Air Force proudly received the initial T-7A Red Hawk aircraft from Boeing Co., marking the beginning of a new era in advanced pilot training.
These five Engineering, Manufacturing, and Development (EMD) aircraft are poised to embark on rigorous testing phases. They’ll be joining two existing contractor-owned jets, which have already clocked over 500 flights, meticulously analyzing performance and flying attributes. With the Test Readiness Review and flight test preparations already in the rearview, the stage is set for a robust testing phase.
Flight testing for the EMD aircraft is scheduled to kick off by the summer end of 2023, starting in St. Louis before transitioning to Edwards Air Force Base in California.
Reflecting on the team’s dedication and the strides made, Col. Kirt Cassell, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s T-7 program manager, shared, “We’ve seen immense effort over recent months, culminating in the first flight and now the aircraft acceptance. The excitement is palpable as we transition these EMD aircraft into flight tests.”
Echoing the sentiment, Dr. Troy C. Hoeger, AFLCMC’s T-7A chief developmental tester, emphasized the readiness and anticipation of the Red Hawk Integrated Test Team as they gear up for the EMD Test and Evaluation phase.
This strategic move traces back to September 2018 when Boeing Defense, Space, and Security secured the T-7A program contract. This arrangement entails the comprehensive delivery of 351 aircraft, 46 Ground Based Training Systems, and the requisite support equipment.
Stepping in to replace the older T-38 Talon, the T-7A Red Hawk emerges as a state-of-the-art advanced training system. Its features, including a contemporary glass cockpit, stadium-style seating, and integrated training modules, make it a prime choice to prepare the next wave of fighter and bomber pilots for the U.S. Air Force.
The introduction of this aircraft, paired with cutting-edge ground-based simulators, signifies a quantum leap in pilot training. As global threats evolve, the U.S. Air Force continues its relentless pursuit to uphold its tactical superiority. The T-7A Red Hawk stands testament to this commitment.
Source: U.S. Air Force
