Overview

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The Boeing T-X aircraft a two-seater supersonic jet trainer. The Boeing T-X aircraft is an American advanced pilot training system aircraft that is being developed and offered by Boeing with its Swedish aerospace group partner, Saab. This aircraft is being developed for the T-X program, a program offered in the US Air Force that trains future pilots.[1] The Boeing T-X is intended to replace the Northrop T-38 Talon. This training aircraft is designed specifically for the US Air Force which includes the aircraft training and ground based training and support.

T-X Program Aircraft Requirements

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- Ability to perform high-G operations (6.5g-7.5g)[2]

- Ability to refuel mid-flight[2]

- Ability for air-to-air intercepts[2]

- Ability to perform data-link operations[2]

- Ability to perform night vision imaging systems operations[2]

Design

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The Boeing T-X aircraft is built with a single engine, twin tails, an advanced cockpit with embedded training, and a maintenance-friendly design. Using the clean-sheet approach, Boeing could use the latest technology, tools, and manufacturing techniques which produced a more affordable and flexible aircraft.[3] It is developed to look, feel, and perform like a fighter aircraft. The aircraft is programmed and developed to deliver military personals the complete advanced pilot training.

Engine

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The Boeing T-X aircraft is powered by a General Electric F404 after-burning turbofan engine[4]. The GE F404 engine offers higher power, improved fuel efficiency and superior mission capability. It is the same engine used on the F/A -18C/D Hornet,[5] which gives the Boeing T-X the ability to withstand and speed up to high G and to mimic flights similar to modern fighters. The single engine design means that operation of the aircraft is simpler, less operational and maintenance cost. The aircraft is simpler because compared to a twin-engine aircraft, a single-engine aircraft means fewer controls, simply because the aircraft is less complicated when it has one engine. When the aircraft has low operational and maintenance cost, that means that the aircraft can fly more.

Twin Tails

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Boeing’s T-X trainer was designed to fly like a fighter, therefore design of the twin-tails was taken from the designs of current/modern aircraft fighters. The twin-tails provides better stability, control, and provides the aircraft with an inbuilt speed break functionality. It also provides and help the aircraft with safer in-flight refueling. The design is similar to the F-35 and the F-22 which helps the aircraft’s handling at high speeds.[5]

Mid-Flight Refueling

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This aircraft is designed to refuel mid-flight using the flying boom system (or sometimes called the boom and receptacle). The flying boom system is when the tanker aircraft extends a rigid, telescoping tube (called a boom) towards the receiving aircraft. The boom then inserts into a slot on the receiving aircraft. The boom then transfers fuel from the tanker aircraft to the other aircraft.

Cockpit

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The Boeing T-X aircraft cockpit is installed with a JPATS 1-7[4]. The cockpit mixes modern fighter-like controls with the training controls. The cockpit is designed like a tiered, stadium-style seating which allows and helps with visibility and functionality for the trainee and the instructor.[6] The large area display also allows the student and instructor a maximum range of training options. The cockpit also offers fly-by-wire controls, ample thrust, and controlled handling at all speeds, configurations and different angles of attacks. The aircraft has an advanced avionics system and a large display screen which mimics high-tech systems like the F-35.[5]

Maintenance-Friendly Design

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The Boeing T-X was created around a maintenance-friendly design[4]. The design was taken around the design of common US Air Force ground equipment and built around it. The aircraft is installed with high wings and easy access panels, all within easy reach. The Boeing T-X design focuses on the readiness of critical machinery like the engine and the seats and the easy accessibility of maintenance when on the ground. The Boeing T-X uses fewer fasteners for the panels and parts from established suppliers to fasten the maintenance time. The maintenance-friendly design was also designed for long-term supportability. Due to the easy maintenance, the system is also design to be able evolve as the technology, mission, or training needs to change.

History

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Boeing and its partner Saab entered USAF T-X competition on December 6, 2013.[7]

The aircraft was first revealed on Tuesday September 13, 2016.[8]

The T-X is planned to replace the T-38 aircraft in 2024.[8]

Specification

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General Characteristics

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  • Crew: Two – Student and Instructor
  • Engine: GE F404
    • Type: After-burning Turbofan
    • Military Thrust: 11,000 lbf (48.9kN)
    • With Afterburner: 17,700 lbf (78.7 kN)
  • Cockpit: JPATS 1-7

Performance

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  • High Altitude Recorded: 11,000 ft[9]
  • Highest Speed Recorded: 231 knots (265 mph)[9]
  1. ^ Clark, Colin. "Boeing Takes T-X Lead As Northrop Joins Raytheon & Drops Out Of T-X". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 2017-04-16.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Boeing's New Training Jet Looks a Little Like the F/A-18". Popular Mechanics. 2016-12-21. Retrieved 2017-04-16.
  3. ^ "What does the Boeing T-X 'clean sheet' aircraft need to offer? #CATX | Combat Aircraft". Retrieved 2017-04-16.
  4. ^ a b c "Boeing T-X Advanced Pilot Training System" (PDF).
  5. ^ a b c "Here's Boeing's Pitch for the Future of Fighter Pilot Training". Popular Mechanics. 2016-09-13. Retrieved 2017-04-16.
  6. ^ "Boeing T-X Trainer Aircraft". Airforce Technology. Retrieved 2017-04-16.
  7. ^ "News Releases/Statements". MediaRoom. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  8. ^ a b "Boeing: Boeing T-X Sees the Light". www.boeing.com. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  9. ^ a b "Boeing's T-X prototype takes flight - SpaceFlight Insider". www.spaceflightinsider.com. Retrieved 2017-04-16.