Boeing and Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) are in preliminary talks with Germany, Taiwan and Turkey on the upgrade of Northrop T-38 Talon advanced trainers.
In October last year the US company delivered to the US Air Force the 100th jet trainer modified under the T-38 avionics upgrade programme.
Boeing is modifying more than 500 US-operated T-38s with a large-field-of-view head-up display in the front cockpit; multifunction displays, electronic engine displays and up-front control panels in both cockpits; new GPS satellite navigation/inertial navigation system; and a traffic collision avoidance system. The USAF intends to retain the T-38 until at least 2040.
IAI's Lahav division is a major partner and subcontractor to Boeing on the programme. The company was systems integrator during the development phase and is responsible for supply of a significant part of the upgraded avionics suite.
Meanwhile, the Spanish air force has signed a €31 million ($33 million) deal with IAI for the upgrade of the two-seat Northrop F-5B as a lead-in fighter trainer.
Much of the modification work will be completed by EADS Casa Military Aircraft in Spain. IAI is supplying similar equipment to that used in the T-38 programme. First delivery is due by September.
Source: Flight International
