BAE Systems Inc has strengthened its bidding team for the US Air Force's pending T-X contest by announcing the addition of L-3 Link Simulation & Training under an exclusive agreement.
Confirmed on 12 January, the move will lead to the L-3 Systems division designing a new ground-based training system to support a possible future acquisition of a Hawk aircraft derived from the 128/T2-standard trainer now in use with the UK's Royal Air Force. The company's addition follows Northrop Grumman's confirmation last year as BAE's US manufacturing partner for the aircraft in the event of a future selection.
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BAE cited L-3 Link's "extensive experience" in working with the USAF's training community as having driven its addition to the Hawk advanced jet training system team.
The USAF has yet to secure a budget for or issue a formal request for proposals linked to its planned T-X programme, which would replace an aged fleet of almost 500 Northrop T-38 Talon supersonic trainers.
Rival candidates are expected to include versions of the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 and Korea Aerospace Industries/Lockheed Martin T-50.
Source: Flight International
