U.S. Air Force Completes Inaugural Flight of T-7A Red Hawk

T-7A Red Hawk Engineering and Manufacturing Development First Flight, St. Louis Lambert International Airport – St. Louis, MO. MSF23-030 Series.

In a significant milestone, the U.S. Air Force has successfully completed the first flight of its Boeing T-7A Red Hawk aircraft, marking the beginning of the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase. During the 1-hour and 3-minute flight, key aspects of the aircraft were validated, demonstrating the power and agility of the Air Force’s first digitally designed, built, and tested advanced trainer. This aircraft is one of the five EMD aircraft that will be delivered to the Air Force Air Education and Training Command for further testing.

The T-7A Red Hawk’s advanced cockpit, systems, and stable performance are set to revolutionize training for U.S. Air Force student pilots and instructors. With high-resolution ground-based training systems and simulators, the all-new advanced pilot training system will enhance pilot readiness through robust and realistic integrated live, virtual, and constructive training capabilities. Safety has been a priority throughout the design and build process, with model-based engineering ensuring rigorous testing. The T-7A’s cockpit egress system is deemed the safest among all trainers.

As a tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American U.S. military aviators who flew red-tailed fighters during World War II, the T-7A Red Hawk boasts vibrant red tails. This aircraft’s versatility and open architecture software, combined with digital fly-by-wire controls, will support training for a wide range of fighter and bomber pilots, allowing flexibility for any mission.

Boeing, the program manager for the T-7A, remains committed to delivering superior safety and training for fighter and bomber pilots. The advanced pilot training capabilities of the T-7A will play a crucial role in preparing warfighters for evolving mission demands and emerging threats.

The T-7A Red Hawk program has achieved remarkable progress, transitioning from a firm concept to flight testing in just 36 months. Leveraging model-based engineering, 3D design, and advanced manufacturing, the program has seen a 75% increase in first-time quality and an 80% reduction in assembly hours.

In 2018, Boeing was awarded a $9.2 billion contract by the Air Force for the production of 351 T-7A advanced trainers, 46 simulators, and associated support. The T-7A will replace the aging T-38 aircraft, ushering in a new era of training for the next generation of fighter and bomber pilots.