Brahmand NewsPrevious Article
Brahmand NewsNext Article
Aero India 2023

Raytheon teams up with Finmeccanica to offer new jet trainers to USAF


Two T-100s in formation flight. A Raytheon photo

WASHINGTON (BNS): Raytheon has announced its partnership with Italy's Finmeccanica in its bid for the US Air Force's T-X jet trainer programme.

Under the programme, the USAF is set to acquire new trainer aircraft to replace its aging fleet of T-38 trainers.

Raytheon, together with Finmeccanica, CAE USA and Honeywell Aerospace, will offer the T-100 -- an advanced variant of the Aermacchi M-346, with a leading-edge Ground Based Training System.

"The T-100 offers dynamic kinetic performance, while also delivering an embedded, tactical training system that immerses pilots in realistic mission scenarios," said Filippo Bagnato, managing director of Finmeccanica Aircraft Division.

"The M-346, the basis for the T-100, is already operational and preparing pilots around the world for the challenges of today's complex fighter platforms," he said.

While CAE will provide simulation-based training systems, Honeywell Aerospace will provide twin, F124 turbofan engines to power the T-100 via the International Turbine Engine Company (ITEC) joint venture.

Finmeccanica will be the supplier of the Aermacchi M-346 trainer jet which will be the basic platform for the T-100.

The USAF could need as many as 350 next-generation jet trainers under the T-X programme, having an estimated value of US$ 8 billion, to replace the Northrop-built T-38s which are in use since 1959 to train rookie pilots.

Other contenders for the programme include Boeing-SAAB team offering a newly designed aircraft; Northrop Grumman-BAE Systems team with a new aircraft; and Lockheed Martin-Korea Aerospace Industries offering the T-50 jet trainer.

Tags:

Other Related News

Tri-service firepower, manoeuvre exercise 'Bharat Shakti' begins in Pokhran

The mega 'Bharat Shakti' exercise to demonstrate the prowess of indigenously manufactured defence equipment of the three services began in Rajasthan's Pokhran firing range on Tuesday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief General Manoj Pande in attendance.

BRAHMOS Missile Systems

Headlines

Brahmand World Defence Update 2023

Brahmand World Defence Update

Image Gallery