posted 11-22-2017 10:45 AM               

In early 2018, the Air Force intends to ... award a contract worth up to $16 billion to replace its 431 remaining T-38s with 350 brand-new trainers, dubbed "T-X" until a formal designation is chosen. If the plan holds, the first of the new two-seat jets will join the Air Force by late 2023, along with state-of-art ground-based simulators.

Four (perhaps five) teams have submitted bids to build the T-X, and the two front runners are dominant players in the global military aircraft industry: Boeing, in partnership with Saab AG of Sweden, and Lockheed Martin, teamed with Korean Aerospace Industries. Some observers believe that Italian company Leonardo (via its U.S. subsidiary, Leonardo DRS) has an outside chance of winning the Air Force contract. The two other entities in contention — upstart Stavatti Aerospace and small contractor Sierra Nevada Corporation (with Turkish Aerospace Industries) — are considered extreme longshots; though cited by the Congressional Research Service as a potential candidate, Sierra Nevada has not publicly confirmed or denied entering the competition.

posted 11-22-2017 11:57 PM               

I would think that if and when NASA declares their T-38 fleet obsolete — which may well happen once the parts inventory dries up when the AF retires theirs — they would probably get older military jets. Maybe more of the F-18's or similar. Of course, going single engine is more economical (F-16), but I don't know JSC or CB's position on that in regard to safety. There probably aren't too many two-seaters to be had anyway.

posted 09-28-2018 12:16 AM               

Boeing Wins U.S. Air Force T-X Pilot Training Program Contract

$9.2 billion award funds 351 jets, 46 simulators and associated ground equipment

U.S. Air Force pilots will soon train for combat with T-X jets and simulators from Boeing.

"Today's announcement is the culmination of years of unwavering focus by the Boeing and Saab team," said Leanne Caret, president and CEO, Boeing Defense, Space & Security. "It is a direct result of our joint investment in developing a system centered on the unique requirements of the U.S. Air Force. We expect T-X to be a franchise program for much of this century."

Boeing and its risk-sharing partner Saab designed, developed, and flight tested two all-new, purpose-built jets ― proving out the system's design, repeatability in manufacturing and training capability.

"This selection allows our two companies to deliver on a commitment we jointly made nearly five years ago," said Håkan Buskhe, president and CEO of Saab. "It is a major accomplishment for our partnership with Boeing and our joint team, and I look forward to delivering the first trainer aircraft to the Air Force."

Boeing is now clear to begin placing orders with its suppliers, including Saab. More than 90 percent of Boeing's offering will be made in America, supporting more than 17,000 jobs in 34 states.

Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions within military defense and civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents around the world. Through innovative, collaborative and pragmatic thinking, Saab develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers' changing needs.