AFA 2016: Lockheed Martin positions T-50A as 'least risky' choice for USAF T-X

[Zarvan]

Lockheed Martin believes that its T-50A trainer jet is the least risky option for the USAF's T-X programme. Source: Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin's T-50A offering for the US Air Force's (USAF's) fighter trainer (T-X) programme is, the company argues, the technologically least risky offering.

The T-50A, developed with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), is "the lowest risk option out there from all standpoints," Mark Ward, Lockheed Martin's T-50 chief test pilot, said during a press briefing at the Air Force Association's annual conference on 19 September.

The modified version of the T-50 being offered for the USAF requirement features optional aerial refuelling capability, a GE F404 engine, stadium seating for the instructor pilot, and embedded sensor training. Two aircrafts have been built. The first has completed subsonic testing, stability and control testing, and ground testing, while the second is undergoing avionics testing.

The T-50A's displays are based on Lockheed Martin's three in-service combat aircraft - the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the F-22 Raptor, and the F-35 Lightning II. The radar and target displays are based on the F-16's, but its tactical and electronic warfare displays are similar to those of the F-35, said Ward. The head-up display (HUD) can be changed from an F-16 style to an F-35/F-22 style "at the push of a screen," he said.

Two of the four T-X competitors have said that they are planning to offer new variants of already-produced designs - Raytheon-Leonardo's T-100 - based on Leonardo's M-346. Meanwhile, Northrop Grumman and a Boeing-Saab team are putting forth clean-sheet designs.

The USAF has said it wants to buy 350 new trainer aircrafts to replace its ageing Northrop Grumman T-38 Talons. A final request for proposals is expected this year, and a decision is likely next year. The aircrafts would enter service in 2024, officials have said.

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http://www.janes.com/article/63936/...ions-t-50a-as-least-risky-choice-for-usaf-t-x

 

[Norge Stronk]

Lockheed Martin believes that its T-50A trainer jet is the least risky option for the USAF's T-X programme.

Would they say anything else?

We're done here.

 

[Penguin]

@mods @Zarvan
Wouldn't it be a good idea to group everything under T-X program in one thread, rather to have multple treads on each of the competitors?

Would they say anything else?

We're done here.

Clearly, having observed that they are one of the two contenders who's offering is not specifically tailored to the US modified T-X specifications, it is interesting to see what they take as their USP(s). So, with LMCO/South Korea choosing 'low risk' as key selling point, what remains for Raytheon/Italy M-346?. And how will NG and B/S offerings be distinguished?