BAE Systems, Boeing, and Saab pitch T-7A jet trainer to UK

A pair of T-7A Red Hawk AJT aircraft undergoing flight trials. BAE Systems, Boeing, and Saab are to offer the aircraft to the UK and to the wider international flight training market. (Boeing)

BAE Systems, Boeing, and Saab have signed a letter of intent (LOI) to offer the T-7A Red Hawk advanced jet trainer (AJT) aircraft as a Hawk replacement to the UK.

The three companies announced the LOI on 18 November, saying they will collaborate on securing the Royal Air Force (RAF) fast-jet trainer requirement, at the same time as pursuing future international pilot training opportunities.

“The companies will collaborate on a training system, integrating live and synthetic training capability and associated mission systems, and will explore further opportunities for growing the UK supply chain on the aircraft,” a joint statement said. BAE Systems will lead the activity, which will include a UK-based final assembly.

Developed by Boeing and Saab, the T-7A was designed for the US Air Force's (USAF's) T-X Advanced Pilot Training programme to replace the USAF's 1960s-era Northrop T-38 Talon, for which it was contracted in 2018 with an order for 351 aircraft.

Powered by a single General Electric F414 powerplant (the same as fitted to the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Saab Gripen E/F combat aircraft), the T-7A is a tandem twin-seat AJT that features a large-area display cockpit to give it the look and feel of a modern fighter, as well as a sidestick and hands-on-throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) controls.