U.S. Air Force has released the much anticipated request for proposal (RFP) for the Advanced Pilot Training (T-X) competition to replace...
U.S. Air Force has released the much anticipated request for proposal (RFP) for the Advanced Pilot Training (T-X) competition to replace its ageing T-38 trainer jet fleet.
The $16.3 billion worth RFP is for a total of 350 advanced trainer jets, capable of imparting primarily fifth, and fourth generation pilot training.
The RFP will lead to delivery of the first five test aircraft and have options for the first two Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) lots and the remaining Full Rate Production lots.
The Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) contract to the winning bid is expected in 2017.
Competitors include the Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Raythoen.
Northrop Grumman and Boeing are offering clean sheet designs while the other two are offering modified versions based one existing designs.
Boeing has teamed with Saab to offer its twin canted tail trainer powered by a single GE 404 turbofan engine. The first Boeing T-X prototype completed maiden flight on 20 December.
Northrop's T-X trainer prototype was unofficially revealed during taxi trials from Mojave in August 2016. It is also powered by the GE 404 engine rated at 17,200 lb thrust.
Lockheed Martin is offering a modified T-50 Golden Eagle trainer jet, which it has developed with Korean Aerospace Industries. Two prototypes of this are currently in air.
Raytheon has teamed with Italian Leonardo to offer latter's M-346 based trainer jet designated T-100, and has currently no flying prototypes.
The fifty five year old T-38 Talon was introduced into USAF service in 1961. It was the first supersonic trainer and the most produced trainer with over 1100 delivered when production ended in 1972.
