Boeing has delivered the final advanced training aircraft T-7A RedHawk EMD (Engineering and Manufacturing Development), designated APT-5, to the United States Air Force (USAF). This aircraft will join the T-7A test fleet at Edwards Air Force Base to continue assessing its capabilities ahead of the Milestone C approval and the Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) contract. Initially expected to be signed this year, the contract will most likely be finalized in 2025.

T-7A RedHawk: A Technological Leap in Pilot Training

In 2018, the USAF awarded Boeing a $9.2 billion contract for 351 advanced T-7A trainers, 46 simulators, and support systems. The RedHawk will replace the aging T-38 aircraft in the Air Force’s fleet and is designed to streamline training for modern fighter aircraft such as the F-35.

T-7A RedHawk: Boeing completes delivery of last EMD prototype to USAF

According to Boeing, the T-7A will enhance pilot training in three key areas:

  • Improved Ground Readiness: The advanced pilot training system incorporates high-resolution ground training systems and simulators to deliver robust, integrated live, virtual, and constructive training capabilities.
  • Safety: Model-based engineering allowed extensive testing throughout the aircraft’s design and construction phases to ensure safety before its first flight. The T-7A’s ejection system is the safest among trainer aircraft.
  • Mission Flexibility: With open-architecture software and fly-by-wire digital controls, the T-7A supports training for a wide variety of fighter and bomber types and can adapt to evolving technologies, threats, and training requirements.

The T-7A RedHawk promises to revolutionize pilot training for the USAF and is a strong contender for the U.S. Navy’s Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) contract, which aims to replace its T-45 Goshawk trainers. However, Boeing must first demonstrate concrete progress in resolving the persistent quality control and supply chain issues that have plagued this and several of its other programs.