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technology1d ago
US Air Force pilots finally have a training jet built for a modern air war of stealth fighters and bombers
- The Air Force unveiled the T-7 Red Hawk as the new primary trainer to replace the 60-year-old T-38 Talon.
- The T-7 Red Hawk aims to train pilots for fifth‑generation fighters and a future sixth‑generation platform.
- The first T-7 Red Hawk trainer arrived at Joint Base San Antonio‑Randolph, marking a progress milestone.
- Officials say the trainer enables closer links between basic training and real‑world threat scenarios through live-virtual-constructive setups.
- The program anticipates initial operational capability in August 2027 with multiple bases conducting training.
- The Red Hawk is designed to support training across a range of aircraft, from fighters to stealth bombers.
- The T-7 Red Hawk features a flexible open design and can incorporate new features as they arrive.
- The Air Force plans to use the T-7 with new ground and maintenance training systems.
- The GAO had noted earlier that the aging T-38 was becoming costly to maintain and less aligned with modern aircraft.
- Air Education and Training Command officials describe the transition as a fundamental shift in training approach.
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