For the past 57 years, Air Force pilots have trained in the supersonic T-38 Talon trainer. The Air Force recently announced its replacement, the T-7A Red Hawk.
Acting Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Donovan explained, “The T-7A will be the staple of a new generation of aircraft. The Red Hawk offers advanced capabilities for training tomorrow’s pilots on data links, simulated radar, smart weapons, defensive management systems, as well as synthetic training capabilities.”
Under a $9.2 billion contract, Boeing will provide the Air Force with 351 T-7As and 46 simulators and associated support equipment. The aircraft should be operational by 2023.
“The name 'Red Hawk' honors the legacy of Tuskegee Airmen and pays homage to their signature red-tailed aircraft from World War II,” Donovan added.
The T-7A is designed to prepare pilots to fly the Air Force’s most advanced aircraft, including the F-35 Lightning II.