T-X HEATS UP
We finally know what all the contenders to replace the venerable T-38 Talon will look like. After teasing us for months , Boeing finally unveiled its entry into the T-X competition with much pomp and fanfare. This follows a less ceremonial unveiling of Northrop-Grumman's clean sheet design. The two other contenders, proposed by Lockheed and Raytheon, are modifications to existing designs. The goal of the T-X program is to provide a "lead in" jet trainer for high performance aircraft found in the USAF. This includes (but is not limited to) aircraft like the F-22, F-35, and B-21. As military aircraft become more advanced, there has emerged a need for a trainer that mirrors these advances. The venerable T-38 is no longer a suitable aircraft for this, being a 50-year-old design. The requirements for the T-X dictate an aerial refueling receptacle and give preference for high maneuverability . The ability to make a sustained 6.5 g turn is ...