Article Posted on : - Sep 13, 2013

The Hawk AJT. A BAE Systems photo

LONDON (BNS): British aircraft engine maker Rolls-Royce has joined the BAE Systems-Northrop Grumman team to compete for the US Air Force's T-X trainer programme under which it plans to replace its ageing fleet of T-38 Talons with new-generation trainer jets.

The leading aerospace firm will integrate its Adour Mk951 engine on the BAE-made Hawk advanced trainer jet (AJT), BAE Systems announced on Tuesday.

The Hawk AJT is one of the contenders for the multi-million dollar deal.

"Rolls-Royce's extensive propulsion expertise, coupled with their lengthy relationship with the US Air Force, makes them the perfect choice to integrate their Adour Mk951 engine in the Hawk AJTS aircraft. The selection of Rolls-Royce rounds out the Hawk AJTS team as we pursue the T-X programme win," said Robert Wood, vice president of BAE Systems' Hawk Advanced Jet Training System team.

Rolls-Royce has joined as the fourth member of the Hawk AJT team which also includes the Arlington (US)-based L-3 Link Simulation & Training besides BAE and Northrop.

The USAF could need as many as 350 next-generation jet trainers under the T-X programme to replace the Northrop-built T-38s which are in use since 1959 to train rookie pilots.

The other contenders for the deal include the General Dynamics-Alenia Aermacchi team which is offering its T-100 -- an export variant of the Aermacchi M-346 military trainer jet, and the Lockheed Martin-Korea Aerospace Industries team which has fielded the T-50 Golden Eagle trainer for the competition.