Boeing–Saab T-7 Red Hawk

{{Short description|US-Swedish advanced pilot training aircraft}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2022}} {{Use American English|date=March 2022}} {{Infobox aircraft | name = T-7 Red Hawk | logo = | logo_size = | image = T-7A Red Hawk over Edwards Air Force Base.jpg | alt = | caption = T-7A Red Hawk over Edwards Air Force Base in 2023 | long_caption = | other_names = | aircraft_type = Advanced trainer | aim = | outcome = | related = | national_origin = United States/Sweden | manufacturer = Boeing / Saab | design_group = | designer = | builder = | issuer = | status = | owners = | primary_user = United States Air Force | more_users = | service = | major_applications = | proposals = | prototypes = | number_built = 2 prototypes, and 3 engineering and manufacturing development aircraft<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeingsaab-fly-second-t-x-test-aircraft-436496/ |title=Boeing/Saab fly second T-X test aircraft |first=Stephen |last=Trimble |website= Flight Global |date=24 April 2017 |access-date=26 April 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170425005336/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeingsaab-fly-second-t-x-test-aircraft-436496/ |archive-date=25 April 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> | construction_number = | civil_registration = | military_serial = | radio_code = | requirement = | aircraft_carried = | flights = | total_hours = | total_distance = | construction_date = 2021–present | introduction = | retired = | first_flight = 20 December 2016 | initiated = | in_service = | last_flight = | expected = | developed_from = | variants = | developed_into = | preservation = | fate = | predecessors = | successors = | concluded = }}

The '''Boeing–Saab T-7 Red Hawk''',<ref name= "T-7A Red Hawk">{{Cite web |date= 2021-02-19 |title=T-7A Red Hawk begins U.S. Production |url= https://www.boeing.com/features/2021/02/t-7a-red-hawk-begins-us-production.page |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210419062339/https://www.boeing.com/features/2021/02/t-7a-red-hawk-begins-us-production.page |archive-date=2021-04-19 |access-date= 2021-12-30 |publisher=Boeing |quote=A new era in aircraft design and assembly has begun as the first U.S. portion of the Boeing-Saab eT-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer officially entered the jet’s state-of-the-art production line.}}</ref> initially known as the '''Boeing T-X''' (later '''Boeing–Saab T-X'''),<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Journey to West Lafayette |url= https://www.saab.com/markets/united-states/the-journey-to-west-lafayette |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201025104516/https://www.saab.com/markets/united-states/the-journey-to-west-lafayette |archive-date= 2020-10-25|access-date=2021-12-30 |publisher= Saab}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-10-01 |title=Advanced Pilot Training (T-X) Program |url= https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R44856/11 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211230153207/https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R44856/11 |archive-date= 2021-12-30 |access-date=2021-12-30 |website=Congressional Research Service}}</ref> is an American–Swedish transonic advanced jet trainer produced by Boeing with Saab. In September 2018, the United States Air Force (USAF) selected it for the T-X program to replace the Northrop T-38 Talon as the service's advanced jet trainer.

==Development== The USAF's Air Education and Training Command (AETC) began developing the requirements for a replacement for the supersonic Northrop T-38 Talon as early as 2003. Originally, the replacement trainer was expected to enter service around 2020. A fatigue failure of a T-38C killed its two-person crew in 2008, and the USAF advanced the target date of initial operational capability (IOC) to 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trimble |first=Stephen |date=22 June 2010 |title=US Air Force, industry prepare for T-38 replacement |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/06/22/343393/us-air-force-industry-prepare-for-t-38-replacement.html |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110108173546/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/06/22/343393/us-air-force-industry-prepare-for-t-38-replacement.html |archive-date=8 January 2011 |access-date=20 September 2010 |website=FlightGlobal}}</ref>

In the fiscal 2013 budget proposal, the USAF suggested delaying the initial operating capability to FY2020 with the contract award not expected before FY2016.<ref>{{cite web |last=Trimble |first=Stephen |date=17 February 2012 |title=USAF delays T-38 trainer replacement to 2020 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-delays-t-38-trainer-replacement-to-2020-368456/ |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200922084809/https://www.flightglobal.com/usaf-delays-t-38-trainer-replacement-to-2020/104129.article |archive-date=22 September 2020 |access-date=24 February 2013 |website=FlightGlobal}}</ref> Shrinking budgets and higher-priority modernization projects pushed the IOC of the T-X program winner to "fiscal year 2023 or 2024". Although the program was left out of the FY 2014 budget entirely, the service still viewed the trainer as a priority.<ref name= "budgslip">{{Citation |url= http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130515/NEWS/305150023/Budget-constraints-delay-new-trainer |title= Budget constraints delay new trainer |newspaper= Air force times |date= 15 May 2013}}.</ref>

thumb|right|Boeing-Saab T-7 prototypes {{circa|2018}} Boeing teamed up with Swedish aerospace firm Saab to compete for the T-7 program. On 13 September 2016,<ref name= ":0">{{cite web |title=Boeing T-X Sees the Light |url=http://www.boeing.com/features/2016/09/tx-rollout-09-16.page |url-status= live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170504214728/http://www.boeing.com/features/2016/09/tx-rollout-09-16.page |archive-date=2017-05-04 |access-date=2017-04-10 |publisher= Boeing}}</ref> the team unveiled prototypes of the Boeing T-X, a single-engine advanced jet trainer with a twin tail, tandem seating, and retractable tricycle landing gear, powered with a General Electric F404 afterburning turbofan engine.<ref>{{cite web |title=Boeing T-X Advanced Pilot Training system |url=http://saabgroup.com/globalassets/corporate/news--press/boeing-t-x-backgrounder-sept-2016.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221235009/http://saabgroup.com/globalassets/corporate/news--press/boeing-t-x-backgrounder-sept-2016.pdf |archive-date=2016-12-21 |access-date=28 September 2018 |publisher=Saab}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Boeing and Saab Sign Joint Development Agreement on T-X Family of Systems Training Competition |url=http://boeing.mediaroom.com/Boeing-and-Saab-Sign-Joint-Development-Agreement-on-T-X-Family-of-Systems-Training-Competition |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231051625/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/Boeing-and-Saab-Sign-Joint-Development-Agreement-on-T-X-Family-of-Systems-Training-Competition |archive-date=2017-12-31 |access-date=2017-04-10 |publisher=Boeing}}</ref> The first T-X aircraft flew on 20 December 2016.<ref name="ff">{{cite news |last=Giangreco |first=Leigh |date=20 December 2016 |title=Boeing and Saab complete first T-X flight |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-and-saab-complete-first-t-x-flight-432611/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531054356/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-and-saab-complete-first-t-x-flight-432611/ |archive-date=31 May 2019 |access-date=28 September 2018 |website=FlightGlobal}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Niles |first=Russ |date=20 December 2016 |title=Boeing/Saab T-X First Flight |url=http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/BoeingSaab-T-X-First-Flight-228240-1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224173227/http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/BoeingSaab-T-X-First-Flight-228240-1.html |archive-date=24 December 2016 |access-date=21 December 2016 |website=AVweb}}</ref> The Boeing–Saab team submitted their entry after the Air Force opened the T-7 program to bids in December 2016.<ref>{{cite news |last=Clark |first=Colin |date=1 February 2017 |title=Boeing Takes T-X Lead as Northrop Joins Raytheon & Drops Out of T-X |url=http://breakingdefense.com/2017/02/boeing-takes-t-x-lead-as-northrop-joins-raytheon-drops-out-of-t-x/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170416131238/http://breakingdefense.com/2017/02/boeing-takes-t-x-lead-as-northrop-joins-raytheon-drops-out-of-t-x/ |archive-date=16 April 2017 |access-date=16 April 2017 |website=Breaking Defense}}</ref>

In September 2018, Air Force officials announced that Boeing's design would be its new advanced jet trainer, under a program costing up to US$9.2 billion (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=9200000000|start_year=2018}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) that would purchase 351 aircraft, 46 simulators, maintenance training and support. This contract has options for up to 475 airplanes in total.<ref>{{cite news |last=Insinna |first=Valerie |date=27 September 2018 |title=Air Force awards $9B contract to Boeing for next training jet |url=https://www.defensenews.com/breaking-news/2018/09/27/reuters-air-force-awards-9b-contract-to-boeing-for-next-training-jet/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180930060212/https://www.defensenews.com/breaking-news/2018/09/27/reuters-air-force-awards-9b-contract-to-boeing-for-next-training-jet/ |archive-date=30 September 2018 |access-date=28 September 2018 |website=Defense News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=Saab |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1647147/air-force-awards-next-generation-fighter-and-bomber-trainer/ |title=Air Force awards next-generation fighter and bomber trainer |date=27 September 2018 |access-date=28 September 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180928002057/https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1647147/air-force-awards-next-generation-fighter-and-bomber-trainer/ |archive-date=28 September 2018 |url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Air-Force-Selects-New-Combat-Trainer-231619-1.html |title=Air Force Selects New Combat Trainer |last=O'Connor |first=Kate |website=AVweb |date=2 October 2018 |access-date=3 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019214604/https://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Air-Force-Selects-New-Combat-Trainer-231619-1.html |archive-date=19 October 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boeing.com/features/2018/09/tx-wins-09-18.page |title=Boeing: It's Official: Boeing Wins T-X! |publisher=Boeing |access-date=2019-01-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190122044210/https://www.boeing.com/features/2018/09/tx-wins-09-18.page |archive-date=2019-01-22 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, Boeing recorded a $691-million (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=691e6|start_year=2018}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) pre-tax charge during the third quarter, in part because of the T-X program.<ref>{{cite news |last=Werner |first=Ben |date=30 April 2020 |title=In Role Reversal, Boeing's Defense Programs Prop Up Commercial Business |url=https://news.usni.org/2020/04/30/in-role-reversal-boeings-defense-programs-prop-up-commercial-business |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501132057/https://news.usni.org/2020/04/30/in-role-reversal-boeings-defense-programs-prop-up-commercial-business |archive-date=1 May 2020 |access-date=25 February 2023 |work=U.S. Naval Institute}}</ref>

thumb|A U.S. Air Force publicity image of the T-7A Red Hawk showing Red Tail livery In May 2019, Saab announced that it would open a U.S. manufacturing facility for the T-X in Indiana in the Purdue University-affiliated Discovery Park District in West Lafayette, Indiana.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://saabgroup.com/media/news-press/news/2019-05/saab-announces-new-u.s.-site-for-advanced-manufacturing-and-production/ |title=Saab announces new U.S. site for advanced manufacturing and production |publisher= Saab |language= en-US |access-date= 2019-05-09 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190509125728/https://saabgroup.com/media/news-press/news/2019-05/saab-announces-new-u.s.-site-for-advanced-manufacturing-and-production/ |archive-date=2019-05-09 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=8 May 2019 |title=Saab's global defense and security company lands in Indiana, to open site near Purdue University |url=https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2019/Q2/saabs-global-defense-and-security-company-lands-in-indiana,-to-open-site-near-purdue-university.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508154223/https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2019/Q2/saabs-global-defense-and-security-company-lands-in-indiana,-to-open-site-near-purdue-university.html |archive-date=8 May 2019 |access-date=9 May 2019 |website=Purdue |language=en-US}}</ref>

In September 2019, the USAF named the aircraft the "T-7A Red Hawk" as a tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, who painted their airplanes' tails bright red, and to the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, the first aircraft flown in combat by the 99th Fighter Squadron, the U.S. Army Air Force's first black fighter squadron.<ref>{{cite web |date=16 September 2019 |title=Air Force announces newest Red Tail: 'T-7A Red Hawk' |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1960964/air-force-announces-newest-red-tail-t-7a-red-hawk/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190918005008/https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1960964/air-force-announces-newest-red-tail-t-7a-red-hawk/ |archive-date=18 September 2019 |access-date=21 November 2019 |website=U.S. Air Force |publisher= |quote=The name Red Hawk honors the legacy of Tuskegee Airmen and pays homage to their signature red-tailed aircraft from World War II. …The name is also a tribute to the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, an American fighter aircraft that first flew in 1938 and was flown by the 99th Pursuit Squadron (later redesignated 99th Fighter Squadron), the U.S. Army Air Forces' first African American fighter squadron.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Insinna |first=Valerie |date=16 September 2019 |title=This is the name of the Air Force's new training jet |url=https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/afa-air-space/2019/09/16/this-is-the-name-of-the-air-forces-new-training-jet/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240107230239/https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/afa-air-space/2019/09/16/this-is-the-name-of-the-air-forces-new-training-jet/ |archive-date=7 January 2024 |access-date=17 September 2019 |website=Defense News}}</ref>

The aircraft entered the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase in February 2021.<ref>{{cite web |last=O'Connor |first=Kate |date=24 February 2021 |title=Boeing Begins T-7A Red Hawk Production |url=https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/military-aviation/boeing-begins-t-7a-red-hawk-production/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226215859/https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/military-aviation/boeing-begins-t-7a-red-hawk-production/ |archive-date=26 February 2021 |access-date=26 February 2021 |website=AVweb}}</ref> In April 2021, Saab Group delivered one aft section of T-7A aircraft to the Boeing St. Louis plant. In July 2021, Saab had delivered the second aft section to the Boeing St. Louis plant. Boeing spliced Saab's aft section with the front section, fins, wings and tail assembly to become a complete test aircraft for use in the EMD's flight test program.<ref name="aft">{{Cite web |date=2021-07-27 |title=Saab delivers aft section of T-7A trainer for testing |url=https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2021/07/28/saab-delivers-aft-section-of-t-7a-trainer-for-testing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727220534/https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2021/07/28/saab-delivers-aft-section-of-t-7a-trainer-for-testing/ |archive-date=2021-07-27 |access-date=2021-07-28 |website=Global Defense Corp |language=en-US}}</ref> {{as of|2021}}, the plan was that on completion of the EMD phase, Saab's new facility in West Lafayette, Indiana, was to serve as the manufacturing hub for the T-7A Red Hawk's aft section and sub-systems such as hydraulics, fuel systems and secondary power.<ref name="aft" />

Saab has developed new software for the T-7 to help provide for cheaper and faster development.{{according to whom|date=September 2024}} The T-7A employed digital engineering that went from development to the first test flight within 36 months.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rogoway |first=Tyler |date=16 September 2019 |title=The Air Force's New T-X Jet Trainer Now Has an Official Name and Designation |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/29869/the-air-forces-new-t-x-jet-trainer-now-has-an-official-name-and-designation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928134032/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/29869/the-air-forces-new-t-x-jet-trainer-now-has-an-official-name-and-designation |archive-date=28 September 2023 |access-date=28 July 2021 |website=The Drive}}</ref> The T-7A has an advanced and digitized production line that takes only 30 minutes to splice the aft section with the wings.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-04-06 |title=The USAF Looking to Adopt Saab Design Methodologies to Arm T-7A Red Hawk or Develop F-36 Kingsnake |url=https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2021/04/06/t-7a-red-hawk/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116125251/https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2021/04/06/t-7a-red-hawk/ |archive-date=2023-11-16 |access-date=2021-07-28 |website=Global Defense Corp}}</ref> The digital build process allows technicians to build the aircraft with minimal tooling and drilling during the assembly process.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-04-08 |title=Boeing Started Production of T-7A Red Hawk |url=https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2021/04/09/boeing-started-production-of-t-7a-red-hawk/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119093917/https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2021/04/09/boeing-started-production-of-t-7a-red-hawk/ |archive-date=2023-11-19 |access-date=2021-07-28 |website=Global Defense Corp |language=en-US}}</ref> The first T-7A was rolled out on 28 April 2022.<ref name="O'Connor28Apr22">{{cite web |last=O'Connor |first=Kate |date=28 April 2022 |title=Boeing Unveils First Air Force T-7A Red Hawk |url=https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/military-aviation/boeing-unveils-first-air-force-t-7a-red-hawk/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429122844/https://www.avweb.com/web/20220429122844/https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/military-aviation/boeing-unveils-first-air-force-t-7a-red-hawk/ |archive-date=29 April 2022 |access-date=29 April 2022 |website=AVweb}}</ref>

In May 2023, the Government Accountability Office released a report on the T-7 program detailing problems with the software and safety systems and other delays that saw the USAF delay the next production decision to February 2025.<ref name=":1" /> The report said that a schedule provided by Boeing in January 2023 was optimistic and dependent on favorable assumptions. Notwithstanding the delayed production decision, the report noted that Boeing still planned to start producing the first T-7s in early 2024.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |author=Losey |first=Stephen |date=24 May 2023 |title=GAO blasts T-7 delays, cites 'tenuous' Air Force-Boeing relationship |url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2023/05/24/gao-blasts-t-7-delays-cites-tenuous-air-force-boeing-relationship/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240107230942/https://www.defensenews.com/air/2023/05/24/gao-blasts-t-7-delays-cites-tenuous-air-force-boeing-relationship/ |archive-date=7 January 2024 |access-date=26 May 2023 |website=Defense News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=18 May 2023 |title=Advanced Pilot Trainer: Program Success Hinges on Better Managing Its Schedule and Providing Oversight |url=https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-23-106205 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518223345/https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-23-106205 |archive-date=18 May 2023 |access-date=26 May 2023 |website=U.S. Government Accountability Office}}</ref>{{update after|2024|9|12}}

thumb|right|The first T-7A Red Hawk flies over Edwards Air Force Base in November 2023 In June 2023, the first flight of the T-7A aircraft was conducted from St. Louis Lambert International Airport, by Major Bryce Turner, a test pilot with the 416th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base, California, and Steve Schmidt, Boeing's chief T-7 test pilot.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cohen |first=Rachel S. |date=29 June 2023 |title=T-7 Red Hawk trainer jet takes its first flight |url=https://www.defensenews.com/news/your-air-force/2023/06/29/t-7-red-hawk-trainer-jet-takes-its-first-flight/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240107231425/https://www.defensenews.com/news/your-air-force/2023/06/29/t-7-red-hawk-trainer-jet-takes-its-first-flight/ |archive-date=7 January 2024 |website=Defense News}}</ref><ref name="Oconnor30Jun23">{{cite web|url= https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/military-aviation/u-s-air-force-flies-first-t-7a-red-hawk/|title= U.S. Air Force Flies First T-7A Red Hawk|access-date= 30 June 2023|last= O'Connor|first= Kate|work= AVweb|date= 30 June 2023|archive-url= https://archive.today/20230630114000/https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/military-aviation/u-s-air-force-flies-first-t-7a-red-hawk/|archive-date= 30 June 2023|url-status= live}}</ref>

On 21 September 2023, the first Red Hawk (tail number APT-2) was shipped to the US Air Force.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 September 2023 |title=USAAF modernizes training fleet with first T-7A Red Hawk |url= https://airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2023-news-aviation-aerospace/september/9252-usaaf-modernizes-training-fleet-with-first-t-7a-red-hawk.html |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231106160754/https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2023-news-aviation-aerospace/september/9252-usaaf-modernizes-training-fleet-with-first-t-7a-red-hawk.html |archive-date=6 November 2023 |website=Air Recognition}}</ref> It was deployed at Edwards Air Force Base for testing.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 November 2023 |title=Boeing T-7A Red Hawk arrives at Edwards to begin testing |url= https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/training-simulation/boeing-t-7a-red-hawk-arrives-at-edwards-to-begin-testing/ |url-status= live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113131228/https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/training-simulation/boeing-t-7a-red-hawk-arrives-at-edwards-to-begin-testing/ |archive-date=13 November 2023 |website=Shephard Media}}</ref> Two additional units (APT-1 and APT-3) were delivered late 2023, with a fourth (APT-4) delayed into 2024. In total, five Red Hawks in engineering and manufacturing development configuration will be delivered for its test program. As of February 2026, Boeing is expected to deliver the first production examples in 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Greet |first=Kai |date=2025-01-15 |title=USAF T-7A Red Hawk Production Phase Pushed Back to 2026 |url=https://theaviationist.com/2025/01/15/t-7a-red-hawk-production-pushed-back-to-2026/ |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=The Aviationist |language=en-US}}</ref>

The US Air Force now expects to reach initial operating capacity in 2027, citing problems with key safety systems such as the escape system and issues with the new ACES-5 ejection seats being installed in the Red Hawk.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-01 |title=Air Force Expects T-7A Trainer to Achieve IOC in 2027 – Executive Gov |url=https://www.executivegov.com/articles/air-force-expects-t-7a-trainer-to-achieve-ioc-in-2027 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=www.executivegov.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Design == The T-7's design allows for future missions to be added, such as the aggressor and light attack/fighter roles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=T-7A Red Hawk |url=https://www.boeing.com/defense/t-7a/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229175144/https://www.boeing.com/defense/t-7a/ |archive-date=29 December 2023 |access-date=2021-07-30 |website=Boeing}}</ref> In the training environment, it has been specifically designed for high-G and high-angle-of-attack maneuvers and night operations, with an emphasis on being easily maintained. The aircraft is equipped with a single GE F404 turbofan engine, but produces three times the total thrust of the T-38 twinjet.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Kimberly |date=2022-05-03 |title=Boeing Unveils First USAF T-7A Red Hawk Trainer |url=https://www.flyingmag.com/boeing-unveils-first-usaf-t-7a-red-hawk-trainer/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109165329/https://www.flyingmag.com/boeing-unveils-first-usaf-t-7a-red-hawk-trainer/ |archive-date=2023-11-09 |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=FLYING Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Operational history == On 5 December 2025, T-7, serial number 21-7005 was delivered to the 12th Flying Training Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, which currently operates the T-38s, T-6s, and T-1s.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Molyneaux |first=Ian |date=2025-12-08 |title=USAF enters new pilot training era as T-7A Red Hawk arrives |url=https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/us-air-force-fighter-training-t-7a-red-hawk-arrival |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=www.aerotime.aero |language=en-US}}</ref> The wing officially took delivery of the jet on 9 January 2026, during a delivery ceremony.{{cn|date=February 2026}}

=== Potential operators === Boeing aims to sell over 2,700 Red Hawks globally. In addition to the USAF, the company is also targeting Serbia as a possible replacement for its G-4s and J-22 trainer aircraft and Australia to replace 33 BAE Hawk Mk 127 Lead-in Fighter (LIF) jet trainers through the Royal Australian Air Force LIFT program.<ref name="replacement for F-5">{{Cite web |last=Reim |first=Garrett |date=14 July 2020 |title=Boeing sees T-7 as combat replacement for Northrop F-5 and Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/farnborough-2020/boeing-sees-t-7-as-combat-replacement-for-northrop-f-5-and-dassault/dornier-alpha-jet/139289.article |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715140619/https://www.flightglobal.com/farnborough-2020/boeing-sees-t-7-as-combat-replacement-for-northrop-f-5-and-dassault/dornier-alpha-jet/139289.article |archive-date=15 July 2020 |access-date=17 July 2020 |website=FlightGlobal}}</ref><ref name="Trevithick">{{cite web |last=Trevithick |first=Joseph |date=30 July 2020 |title=Australia, Serbia Emerge As First Potential T-7A Red Hawk Jet Trainer Export Customers |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/35224/australia-serbia-emerge-as-first-potential-t-7a-red-hawk-jet-trainer-export-customers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113212011/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/35224/australia-serbia-emerge-as-first-potential-t-7a-red-hawk-jet-trainer-export-customers |archive-date=13 November 2023 |access-date=28 July 2021 |website=The Drive}}</ref>

The T-7B variant is one of the contenders for the United States Navy's ''Tactical Surrogate Aircraft'' program, with a possible sale of 64 aircraft.<ref>{{cite web |last=Newdick |first=Thomas |date=21 October 2021 |title=Navy Follows Air Force In Wanting Another Jet Trainer Variant For Aggressor And Support Roles |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/42839/navy-follows-air-force-in-wanting-another-jet-trainer-variant-for-aggressor-and-support-roles |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115212240/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/42839/navy-follows-air-force-in-wanting-another-jet-trainer-variant-for-aggressor-and-support-roles |archive-date=15 November 2023 |access-date=21 August 2022 |work=The drive}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Jennings |first=Gareth |date=11 October 2021 |title=US Navy seeks new 'Aggressor' training aircraft |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/us-navy-seeks-new-aggressor-training-aircraft |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025143536/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/us-navy-seeks-new-aggressor-training-aircraft |archive-date=25 October 2021 |work=Jane’s}}</ref> A navalised version is also a contender for the USN's ''Undergraduate Jet Training System'' program, with a minimum order of 145 aircraft to replace existing T-45 Goshawks.<ref name="AvWeek 7Sep23" /> Procurement of the winner of the program is expected to occur as early as 2026.<ref name="FlightGlobal 28Mar24">{{cite web |last1=Tegler |first1=jan |title=US Navy could begin replacing some T-45 jet trainers by 2026 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/us-navy-could-begin-replacing-some-t-45-jet-trainers-by-2026/157558.article |website=FlightGlobal}}</ref>

The F/T-7X, a variant of the T-7, is one of the contenders for the USAF's ''Advanced Tactical Trainer'' program, with possible sales of 100 to 400 aircraft.<ref name="airforcemag1" /><ref name="breakingdefense1">{{cite web |last=Insinna |first=Valerie |date=27 October 2021 |title=T-X: The Sequel? New Tactical Trainer Solicitation Could Reignite Rivalries |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2021/10/t-x-the-sequel-new-tactical-trainer-solicitation-could-reignite-rivalries/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116081331/https://breakingdefense.com/2021/10/t-x-the-sequel-new-tactical-trainer-solicitation-could-reignite-rivalries/ |archive-date=16 November 2023 |work=Breaking defense}}</ref><ref name="TheWarzone1">{{cite web |last=Newdick |first=Thomas |date=15 October 2021 |title=Air Force Wants Hundreds More Jet Trainers Despite Already Buying T-7 Red Hawks |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/42760/air-force-wants-hundreds-more-jet-trainers-despite-already-buying-t-7-red-hawks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923213549/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/42760/air-force-wants-hundreds-more-jet-trainers-despite-already-buying-t-7-red-hawks |archive-date=23 September 2023 |work=The Drive}}</ref>

By November 2023, the USAF was actively considering the possibility of turning the T-7 into an armed combat aircraft. Conceptually dubbed the F-7, such a jet could provide roughly the same capability as a fourth-generation fighter which could maintain force numbers as F-16s are retired. Boeing intends to offer an armed version of the T-7 to replace aging Northrop F-5 and Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet fleets around the world.<ref name="T-7 into F-7">{{Cite web |last1=Martin |first1=Tim |last2=Marrow |first2=Michael |date=8 November 2023 |title=Air Force weighing turning T-7 into F-7 armed light attack jet: Official |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2023/11/air-force-weighing-turning-t-7-into-f-7-armed-light-attack-jet-official/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117230526/https://breakingdefense.com/2023/11/air-force-weighing-turning-t-7-into-f-7-armed-light-attack-jet-official/ |archive-date=17 November 2023 |website=Breaking Defense}}</ref><ref name="replacement for F-5" />

Boeing has pitched the T-7 to the Brazilian Air Force.<ref name="Brazil">{{cite web |date=23 September 2022 |title=La Fuerza Aérea Brasileña interesada en aeronaves de patrulla P-8 Poseidon y entrenadores T-7 Red Hawk |trans-title=The Brazilian Air Force is interested in the P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft and T-7 Red Hawk trainers |url=https://www.zona-militar.com/2022/09/23/la-fuerza-aerea-brasilena-estaria-interesada-en-aeronaves-de-patrulla-p-8-poseidon-y-entrenadores-t-7-red-hawk/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205042630/https://www.zona-militar.com/2022/09/23/la-fuerza-aerea-brasilena-estaria-interesada-en-aeronaves-de-patrulla-p-8-poseidon-y-entrenadores-t-7-red-hawk/ |archive-date=5 December 2022 |website=Zona Militar |language=es}}</ref> The T-7 is also a contender to replace the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force's Kawasaki T-4, competing against the Aermacchi M-346 Block 20 and the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries T-X. A potential licensed variant of the T-7 for the JASDF has been dubbed the T-7AJ.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Newdick |first1=Thomas |title=Japan Wants T-7 Red Hawk As Its Next Trainer: Report |url=https://www.twz.com/air/japan-wants-t-7-red-hawk-as-its-next-trainer-report |website=The Warzone|date=26 March 2024 }}</ref><ref name="T-7AJ Aviavioline">{{cite news |title=Japan to develop next-generation advanced trainer aircraft with the US |url=https://www.aviacionline.com/japan-to-develop-next-generation-advanced-trainer-aircraft-with-the-u-s |access-date=9 June 2025 |agency=Aviacionline |date=25 March 2024}}</ref>

The UK Fast Jet Trainer program intends to replace the ageing BAE Systems Hawk as it is unreliable and nearly obsolete. The contender must involve UK-based companies such as Boeing together with Saab and BAE Systems which offers T-7 as the contender for this program.<ref>{{cite web |title=UK Turns to US-Swedish T-7 Red Hawk Jet as the Future of British Fighter Pilot Training |url=https://armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2025/uk-turns-to-us-swedish-t-7-red-hawk-jet-as-the-future-of-british-fighter-pilot-training |website=armyrecognition.com |publisher=Army Recognition |access-date=2 August 2025}}</ref><ref>https://theaviationist.com/2025/11/18/saab-boeing-bae-pitch-t7-uk/ </ref>

==Variants== ;BTX-1 : Two prototypes were constructed for evaluation:<ref>{{cite web |url= https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=381TX |publisher= FAA |website= Registry N-Number |title= Inquiry Results N381TX }}{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=382TX |publisher= FAA |website= Registry N-Number |title= Inquiry Results N382TX }}{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> :* N381TX, the first prototype built and first T-7 to fly :* N382TX, the second prototype used in testing ;T-7A Red Hawk : Production aircraft for the USAF as the winner of the T-X program to replace the Northrop T-38 Talon.<ref name="replacement for F-5" /> Designated '''eT-7A''' prior to delivery, identifying it as a digitally engineered aircraft.<ref name= "T-7A Red Hawk" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Reim |first=Garrett |date=15 September 2020 |title= USAF's digitally engineered aircraft to receive 'e' prefix, starting with Boeing eT-7A |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/usafs-digitally-engineered-aircraft-to-receive-e-prefix-starting-with-boeing-et-7a/140165.article |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200916071637/https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/usafs-digitally-engineered-aircraft-to-receive-e-prefix-starting-with-boeing-et-7a/140165.article |archive-date=16 September 2020 |access-date=21 July 2022 |website=FlightGlobal}}</ref> ;T-7A Block 10 : A variant proposed to the USAF with various avionics and safety upgrades.<ref>{{Cite web |title= U.S. Air Force Outlines T-7A Modernization Effort |url= https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/us-air-force-outlines-t-7a-modernization-effort |access-date=2024-04-12 |website= Aviation Week}}</ref> ;T-7B : Variant proposed for the U.S. Navy's ''Tactical Surrogate Aircraft'' (TSA) program, with a possible sale of 64 aircraft.<ref>{{cite web |last= Newdick |first=Thomas |date=21 October 2021 |title=Navy Follows Air Force in Wanting Another Jet Trainer Variant for Aggressor and Support Roles |url= https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/42839/navy-follows-air-force-in-wanting-another-jet-trainer-variant-for-aggressor-and-support-roles |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231115212240/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/42839/navy-follows-air-force-in-wanting-another-jet-trainer-variant-for-aggressor-and-support-roles |archive-date=15 November 2023 |access-date=21 July 2022 |work=The Drive}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Jennings |first=Gareth |date=22 October 2021 |title=US Navy seeks new 'Aggressor' training aircraft |url= https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/us-navy-seeks-new-aggressor-training-aircraft |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211025143536/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/us-navy-seeks-new-aggressor-training-aircraft |archive-date=25 October 2021 |work= Jane's}}</ref> ;T-7 UJTS :Proposed advanced jet trainer for the United States Navy ''Undergraduate Jet Training System'' (UJTS) competition to replace the Boeing T-45 Goshawk with a possible sale of 145 aircraft. The aircraft would not be carrier-capable.<ref name="FlightGlobal 28Mar24" /><ref name= "AvWeek 7Sep23">{{cite web |last1=Everstine |first1=Brian |title=U.S. Navy Is Steaming Ahead on a New Trainer |url= https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/us-navy-steaming-ahead-new-trainer |website=Aviation Week}}</ref> ;T-7AJ : Proposed designation for a domestically produced variant of T-7 for the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force to replace the Kawasaki T-4 with a possible sale of 200 aircraft.<ref name="T-7AJ Aviavioline" /> ; T-7 FJT : Proposed designation for the Royal Air Force Fast Jet Trainer (FJT) competition to replace the BAE Systems Hawk with a possible sale of 60 aircraft.<ref>{{cite web |title=UK Turns to US-Swedish T-7 Red Hawk Jet as the Future of British Fighter Pilot Training |url=https://armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2025/uk-turns-to-us-swedish-t-7-red-hawk-jet-as-the-future-of-british-fighter-pilot-training |website=armyrecognition.com |publisher=Army Recognition |access-date=2 August 2025}}</ref><ref> https://theaviationist.com/2025/11/18/saab-boeing-bae-pitch-t7-uk/ </ref> ;F/T-7X : Variant proposed for the USAF's ''Advanced Tactical Trainer'' program, with a possible 100 to 400 aircraft sale.<ref name= "airforcemag1">{{cite web |last=Tirpak |first= John A. |date= 2021-12-14 |title=Lockheed to Offer 'Competitive Pricing' on T-50-Derived Advanced Fighter Trainer |url= https://www.airforcemag.com/lockheed-to-offer-competitive-pricing-on-t-50-derived-advanced-fighter-trainer/ |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231119102847/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/lockheed-to-offer-competitive-pricing-on-t-50-derived-advanced-fighter-trainer/ |archive-date= 2023-11-19 |access-date= 2022-08-21 |work= Air & Space Forces Magazine}}</ref><ref name= "breakingdefense1" /><ref>{{cite web |last= Newdick |first=Thomas |date=15 October 2021 |title=Air Force Wants Hundreds More Jet Trainers Despite Already Buying T-7 Red Hawks |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/42760/air-force-wants-hundreds-more-jet-trainers-despite-already-buying-t-7-red-hawks/ |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230923213549/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/42760/air-force-wants-hundreds-more-jet-trainers-despite-already-buying-t-7-red-hawks |archive-date=23 September 2023 |website=The Drive}}</ref> ;F-7 : Light combat aircraft variant proposed for the USAF.<ref name= "T-7 into F-7" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Neumann |first=Norbert |date= 15 November 2023 |title=Dubai Airshow 2023: Boeing explores fighter version of T-7 |url= https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/dubai-airshow-2023-boeing-pursues-fighter-version-of-t-7-as-the-jet-trainer-international-sales-figu/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124174140/https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/dubai-airshow-2023-boeing-pursues-fighter-version-of-t-7-as-the-jet-trainer-international-sales-figu/ |archive-date= 24 November 2023 |access-date=25 December 2023 |website= Shephard Media}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= Trevithick |first= Joseph |date= 2023-11-09 |title=T-7 Arrives At Edwards, USAF Eyeing Light Fighter Version |url= https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/t-7-arrives-at-edwards-usaf-eyeing-light-fighter-version |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231204113555/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/t-7-arrives-at-edwards-usaf-eyeing-light-fighter-version |archive-date=2023-12-04 |access-date= 2023-12-25 |website=The Drive}}</ref>

==Operators== ;{{USA}} * United States Air Force ** 412th Test Wing *** 416th Flight Test Squadron ** 12th Flying Training Wing<ref name=":2" />

==Specifications (T-7A)== {{Aircraft specs |ref=FlightGlobal,<ref name="ff" /> Air & Space Forces Magazine,<ref>{{cite web |website= Airforcemag |url= https://www.airforcemag.com/weapons-platforms/t-7a/ |title=T-7A Red Hawk}}</ref> Boeing<ref name= Boe_tech_data>{{cite web | publisher = Boeing | url= https://www.boeing.com/defense/t-7a#technical-data | title=T-7A Red Hawk}}</ref> and Key.Aero<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-12-09 |title= An in-depth look at USAF's upcoming T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer |url= https://www.key.aero/article/depth-look-usafs-upcoming-t-7a-red-hawk-advanced-trainer |access-date=2024-04-04 |website= key.aero}}</ref> |prime units?=kts  |genhide= |crew= 2: pilot and instructor/passenger |capacity= |length m= |length ft= 46 |length in= 11 |length note= |span m= |span ft= 30 |span in= 7 |span note= |height m= |height ft= 13 |height in= 6 |height note= |wing area sqm= |wing area sqft= |wing area note= |airfoil= |empty weight kg= |empty weight lb=18000<ref name= "auto">{{Citation | title = T-7a chief test pilot interview | work = Fighter Pilot Podcast at 32:59" | url = https://redcircle.com/shows/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/ep/5032035f-5c6e-4b8d-8076-9481d3477cce}}</ref> |empty weight note= |gross weight kg= |gross weight lb=22000<ref name="auto"/> |gross weight note= |max takeoff weight kg= |max takeoff weight lb= |max takeoff weight note= |fuel capacity={{convert|4500|lb|kg}}<ref name=Boe_tech_data/> |more general=  |eng1 number=1 |eng1 name=General Electric F404-GE-103 |eng1 type=afterburning turbofan |eng1 lbf=11000 |eng1 lbf-ab=17200  |perfhide= |max speed kmh= |max speed mph= |max speed kts= |max speed note= |max speed mach=0.975<ref name=Boe_tech_data/>

|more performance=  |armament= |guns= |bombs= |rockets= |missiles= |hardpoints= |hardpoint capacity= |hardpoint rockets= |hardpoint missiles= |hardpoint bombs= |hardpoint other= |avionics= }}

==See also== {{Portal|Aviation}} {{aircontent |similar aircraft= * Aero L-39 Skyfox * AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle * Aeralis Advanced Jet Trainer * Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master * Hongdu JL-10 * KAI T-50 Golden Eagle * TAI Hürjet * Yakovlev Yak-130 }}

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== {{Commons category|Boeing T-7 Red Hawk}} * [https://www.boeing.com/defense/t-7a/ Boeing T-7A page] * [https://www.saab.com/products/T-7A Saab T-7A page]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Boeing-Saab T-7 Red Hawk}} Category:2010s United States military trainer aircraft Category:Single-engined jet aircraft Category:Mid-wing aircraft Category:Aircraft first flown in 2016 T-7 T-7 Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear