From Handwiki - Reading time: 5 min| Boeing T-X | |
|---|---|
| Role | Advanced trainer |
| National origin | United States/Sweden |
| Manufacturer | Boeing / Saab Group |
| First flight | 20 December 2016 |
| Status | Development |
| Number built | 2[1] |
The Boeing/Saab T-X is an American/Swedish advanced pilot training aircraft developed by Boeing Defense, Space & Security in partnership with Saab Group. It was selected on September 27, 2018 by the United States Air Force as the winner of the Advanced Pilot Training System (T-X) program to replace the Northrop T-38 Talon.
The Boeing T-X is a single-engine advanced jet-trainer with a twin tail, tandem seating, and a retractable tricycle landing gear. The aircraft is powered by a General Electric F404 afterburning turbofan engine.[2] The twin-tails provide better stability and control and the aircraft is capable of in-flight refueling using the boom and receptacle (also called the flying boom system).[citation needed]
The Boeing T-X with related ground-based training and support is being developed and offered by Boeing with its Swedish aerospace group partner, Saab for the U.S. Air Force T-X program to replace the Northrop T-38 Talon for pilot training.[3] Boeing and Saab signed a partnership agreement for the USAF T-X competition on 6 December 2013.[4]
The aircraft was revealed on 13 September 2016.[5] The first BTX-1 aircraft flew on 20 December 2016.[6][7]
On 27 September 2018, it was officially announced that the Boeing T-X will become the U.S. Air Force's new advanced jet trainer, replacing the T-38 Talon. A total of 351 aircraft and 46 simulators will be supplied at a program cost of US$9.2 billion.[8][9][10]
Data from Flight Global,[6] militaryfactory.com[11]
General characteristics