Boeing-Saab T-7 Red Hawk (eT-7A)

History

In September 2016, Boeing and Saab jointly introduced a new aircraft for the US airline training competition called "T-X." Unlike existing designs, this aircraft was created from scratch and showcased in Missouri. The T-X, set to become operational in 2023, boasts a streamlined configuration with high wings, two vertical tails, and a single General Electric F404 series turbofan engine, ensuring optimal aerodynamic efficiency. The cockpit accommodates two crew members, with students in the front and instructors in the rear, and the landing gear follows a conventional tricycle arrangement, with some parts 3D printed to reduce costs. Saab is responsible for the plane's rear section, while Boeing handles the front.

Approximately 350 of these advanced trainers are required to replace aging Northrop Grumman T-38 Talons. Notably, Northrop Grumman is a strong competitor in the T-X competition, having unveiled its own T-X prototype powered by the same F404 engine. Boeing's success in securing the T-X contract was crucial after losing a previous contract for a next-generation bomber. As production at Boeing's St. Louis plant slows down due to the completion of fighter jet production for the F-15 and F/A-18 lines, the T-X represents a significant opportunity for the company.

Currently, two production-ready T-X aircraft are available for evaluation. It's important to note that the values and details provided in this summary are estimates and subject to revision when the manufacturer releases official specifications.

Specification

Basics

Years in Service: 2023

Origins: United States

Status: Program is running.

Crew: 2

Production: 3

Manufacturer: Boeing - USA/Saab - Sweden

Operators: United States

Roles

X-Plane (development, prototype, tech demo)

Aircraft designed for prototyping, technology demonstration, or research/data collection.

Education (General)

Develop the ability to become a dedicated student pilot instructor (usually under the supervision of an instructor).

Notable Features

Radar Capability

Houses may house (via specialized variants) radars for searching, tracking, and attacking enemy elements.

Wing sweep

The main plane or leading edge has retraction lines for improved high-speed performance and handling.

Sturdy aircraft frame

The inherent ability of the airframe to take significant damage.

High-speed performance

Can accelerate to higher speeds than the average aircraft at the time.

High performance

The ability to fly and operate at higher altitudes than the average aircraft of the day.

Seaport

Able to operate over the ocean and survive certain harsh marine environments.

Pilot/crew ejection system

Auxiliary procedures to allow pilot and/or crew ejection in the event of an air emergency.

Depression in crew members

Support the pressurization required for crew survival at higher operating altitudes.

Closed crew room

There are partially or fully enclosed crew work areas.

Scalable

Has retractable/retractable landing gear to maintain aerodynamic efficiency.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 46.4 feet (14.15m)

Width/span: 32.8 feet (10.00m)

Height: 13. 1 ft (4.00m)

Cured weight: 7,165 lbs(3,250 kg)

MTOW: 12,125 lbs (5,500 kg)

Wgt Difference: +4,960 lbs (+2,250 kg)

Main aircraft structure

Monoplane

Designed to use a single main wing main aircraft; this is the most popular arrangement of main aircraft.

Shoulder

The main aircraft is mounted on the upper part of the fuselage, usually on an imaginary line that intersects the pilot's shoulders.

Sweep

The floor plan features a wing sweep along the leading edge of the main aircraft, which increases operating speed.

Performance

Installed: 1 x GE F404 afterburner turbofan engine producing 11,000 pounds of dry thrust and 17,200 pounds of reheated thrust.

Maximum speed: 808 km/h (1,300 km/h | 702 kn)

Cruising speed: 606 km/h (975 km/h | 526 knots)

Maximum speed difference: +202 km/h (+325 km/h | 175 kn)

Area: 1,143 km(1,840 km | 3,408 nautical miles)

Rate of climb: 33,500 ft/min (10,211 m/min)

Variant

eT-7A - First production variant under the US Air Force's new weapons system designation (September 2020).

T-X - Designation of the development plan.

BTX-1 - the prototype designation for two airframes capable of flying.