Second Boeing T-X First Flight

BOEING’s SECOND T-X PROTOTYPE HAS PERFORMED ITS MAIDEN FLIGHT

By Dario Leone
May 1 2017
Share this article

“The T-X was built to Air Force requirements and designed to fulfill the Air Education and Training Command mission,” lead T-X Test Pilot Steve Schmidt

Boeing and Saab have completed the maiden flight of its second production-ready T-X aircraft, which is designed specifically for the U.S. Air Force (USAF) advanced pilot training requirement.

As reported by Boeing news release, lead T-X Test Pilot Steve Schmidt and Boeing Test Pilot for Air Force Programs Matt Giese took the aircraft up for an hour to validate key aspects of the aircraft and demonstrate the low-risk and performance of the design.

“The jet handled exactly like the first aircraft and the simulator, meeting all expectations,” said Giese. “The front and back cockpits work together seamlessly and the handling is superior. It’s the perfect aircraft for training future generations of combat pilots.”

Noteworthy, both pilots trained for the flight using the complete Boeing T-X system, which includes ground-based training and simulation.

“Our successful flight test program is a testament to the fact that our offering is the right choice for the U.S. Air Force,” explained Schmidt. “This aircraft was built to Air Force requirements and designed to fulfill the Air Education and Training Command mission.”

The T-X aircraft has one engine, twin tails, stadium seating, and an advanced cockpit with embedded training. According to Boeing, the all-new, purpose-built design offers flexibility to evolve as technology, missions, and training needs change.

Boeing and Saab flew the first aircraft last December after having revealed their design in September 2016.

T-X is aimed to replace USAF aging T-38 fleet.

Initial operating capability (IOC) is planned for 2024.

Photo credit: Boeing


Share this article

Dario Leone

Dario Leone

Dario Leone is an aviation, defense and military writer. He is the Founder and Editor of “The Aviation Geek Club” one of the world’s most read military aviation blogs. His writing has appeared in The National Interest and other news media. He has reported from Europe and flown Super Puma and Cougar helicopters with the Swiss Air Force.

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Share this article


Share this article
Share this article

Always up to date! News and offers delivered directly to you!

Get the best aviation news, stories and features from The Aviation Geek Club in our newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.

Error: Contact form not found.


Share this article
Back to top
My Agile Privacy
This website uses technical and profiling cookies. Clicking on "Accept" authorises all profiling cookies. Clicking on "Refuse" or the X will refuse all profiling cookies. By clicking on "Customise" you can select which profiling cookies to activate. We and our selected ad partners can store and/or access information on your device, such as cookies, unique identifiers, browsing data. You can always choose the specific purposes related to profiling by accessing the advertising preferences panel, and you can always withdraw your consent at any time by clicking on "Manage consent" at the bottom of the page.

List of some possible advertising permissions:

You can consult: our list of advertising partners, the Cookie Policy and the Privacy Policy.
Warning: some page functionalities could not work due to your privacy choices