Boeing used the Defendory show to promote an upgraded version of the US Navy’s T-45C Goshawk – an extensively modified BAE Systems Hawk – to meet Athens’ future advanced jet trainer requirement. The manufacturer hopes to leverage the T-45’s proven compatibility with the USN’s Raytheon T-6A Texan II primary trainer, 45 of which are also in Greek air force service.
Planned enhancements to the USN’s current T-45 system include the introduction of a virtual radar capability, says Cecilia Perez, T-45 business development manager for Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. The service also plans to integrate an advanced helmet-mounted cueing system with the aircraft to train pilots for future operations with the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, she says. Enhancements are also sought to double the hot-section life of the aircraft’s Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour turbofan engine to 4,000 flight hours.
The USN has received 186 T-45s since 1992 and the fleet has amassed over 700,000 flight hours, Perez says. Each aircraft is capable of logging 600h a year and of delivering a service life of up to 21,600 flight hours or 30 years, she adds.
Boeing is also offering the T-45 design to meet an Indian navy carrier trainer requirement, although New Delhi has yet to issue a formal request for proposals. Several Indian instructors are flying the aircraft using the USN training system.
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Boeing promoted an enhanced T-45C system at the show |
Source: Flight International
