autoevolution
 

First USAF T-7A Red Hawk Advanced Trainer Jet Rolls Out of the Production Facility

Boeing took the veil off the first T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer jet at its production facilities in St. Louis, Missouri. The jet is just one of the 351 aircraft expected to be delivered to the U.S. Air Force (USAF).
Boeing unveils first T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer jet for USAF 16 photos
Photo: Boeing
Boeing T-7A Red Hawk Jet TrainerBoeing T-7A Red Hawk Jet TrainerBoeing T-7A Red Hawk Jet TrainerBoeing T-7A Red Hawk Jet TrainerBoeing T-7A Red Hawk Jet TrainerBoeing T-7A Red Hawk Jet TrainerBoeing T-7A Red Hawk Jet TrainerBoeing T-7A Red Hawk Jet TrainerBoeing T-7A Red Hawk Jet TrainerBoeing T-7A Red Hawk Jet TrainerBoeing T-7A Red Hawk Jet TrainerBoeing T-7A Red Hawk Jet TrainerBoeing T-7A Red Hawk Jet TrainerBoeing T-7A Red Hawk Jet TrainerBoeing T-7A Red Hawk Jet Trainer
The T-7A Red Hawk is a cutting-edge trainer designed for the USAF that will prepare the next generation of fighter and bomber pilots. Developed by Boeing in partnership with Swedish company Saab, the jet provides rapid and more cost-effective integration of capabilities through virtual testing.

Boeing moved quite fast with the development of the aircraft. In just three years, the concept became a reality. In 2018, the USAF granted Boeing a $9.2 billion deal in exchange for 351 T-7As, 46 simulators, and necessary ground equipment, and by 2021, two T-7As were already performing flight tests.

Now, the first aircraft rolled out of the production facility in Missouri. It has a modular design, and it can be used in various missions. It also features advanced fighter-like capabilities comparable to today's 4th and 5th-generation fighter jets. The aircraft has its tail painted red in honor of the African American Tuskegee Airmen, who were part of the 477th Bombardment Group of the USAF during World War II.

"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," said Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., Chief of Staff of the Air Force.

The first production jet will remain in St. Louis, where it will undergo ground and flight tests. The T-7A program is based at Boeing's St. Louis factory, with Saab building the trainer's aft section at Linkoping, Sweden. The first jets are scheduled to arrive at USAF Joint Base San Antonio- Randolph next year.

If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
press release
About the author: Florina Spînu
Florina Spînu profile photo

Florina taught herself how to drive in a Daewoo Tico (a rebadged Suzuki Alto kei car) but her first "real car" was a VW Golf. When she’s not writing about cars, drones or aircraft, Florina likes to read anything related to space exploration and take pictures in the middle of nature.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories