Boeing T-X trainer

Boeing has unveiled the new T-X trainer jet design, an all-new advanced pilot training system designed specifically for the U.S. Air Force training missions.

The T-X trainer has twin canted vertical tails similar to the F-22, F-35 and F/A-18.  To keep costs down the aircraft features a single engine with stadium seating.  The trainer has an advanced cockpit with embedded training.  The system also includes state-of-the-art ground-based training and a maintenance-friendly design for long-term supportability.

The Air Force needs a replacement for its T-38 Talon trainer aircraft which were first produced by Northrop in 1959.

Boeing has already built two and is ready to build more for the Air Force training program. The Air Force hopes to buy 350 new trainer jets with initial operating capability planned for 2024.

Photos courtesy of Boeing

McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle

The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle has long been considered one of the most successful dog-fighting aircraft in US history with an undefeated air-to-air combat record with more than 100 aerial combat victories, according to Boeing.

The entire F-15 fleet was due to be replaced with the fifth-generation F-22 Raptor but only 188 of the 749 F-22s purchased by the Pentagon were ever produced.
Now a $12 billion upgrade is underway for the US Air Force’s 1980s-era F-15 fighters.  The upgrade will cover 435 F-15's and will include new radar technology, updated mission computer systems and modern communication tools.  In addition, an advanced infrared search and track capability and electronic warfare defenses will be incorporated so the F-15's can work in concert with more advanced aircraft including the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.

The upgrades will allow the F-15 Eagle to carry up to 16 missiles rather than the standard 8.  The upgrades will extend the F-15 lifespan through 2040.  The F-15 Eagle has a maximum speed at high altitude of Mach 2.5+ (1,650+ mph, 2,665+ km/h) and Mach 1.2 (900 mph, 1,450 km/h) ay low altitude.

Stealth Technology

The US Navy and the Air Force will need better stealth technology to mask aircraft and ships from enemy radars.   Both services are conducting early developmental work into the next generation of fighters that will supplement or replace the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II.  The Air Force’s F-X fighter will need better and more advanced stealth than the F-22 currently offers to survive in a future conflict.

Lockheed Martin's F-X concept for a sixth-generation aircraft

The Navy has been slow in adopting stealth relying more on electronic warfare platforms like the Boeing EA-18G Growler.  The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II carrier variant is the Navy’s first production carrier stealth fighter. The Navy’s F/A-XX program is scheduled to enter the fleet around 2030 to replace the United States Navy's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

Boeing's F/A-XX concept for a sixth-generation aircraft

A-10 Warthog

The Air Force is looking to replace the A-10 Warthog and is reviewing the future of its close air-support aircraft.  The Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II first flew in 1975 and is the only airplane in the Air Force specifically designed for close air support.

The A-10 is armed with a powerful 30 mm, seven-barrel Gatling gun, which can fire depleted uranium bullets at 3,900 rounds per minute and can carry up to 16,000 pounds of bombs and missiles.

The F-35 was supposed to assume the close air support role once the A-10 was retired but U.S. Air Force officials are now showing signs that they are rethinking that strategy.  Another possibility is for the Air Force to replace the A-10 with the Super Tucano, called the A-29 by the Air Force, made by Brazilian aviation firm Embraer.