Guy Norris/WILLIAMS GATEWAY

The first complete suite of advanced displays and systems for the US Air Force Northrop T-38C avionics upgrade programme (AUP) will be installed in the first of two test aircraft in May, with the maiden flight still firmly on schedule for July, says Boeing.

The T-38 AUP will upgrade the USAF's advanced trainer with a digital cockpit to provide more commonality with front line fighters and bombers. Managed by Boeing with the Lahav division of Israel Aircraft Industries as major subcontractor, the contract originally covered 427 aircraft, including the two test T-38s, but has now been increased to 509. "We're hoping for a few more on top of that" says Daniel Pettyjohn, T-38C AUP modification site manager at Boeing's Williams Gateway Airport, Arizona, site. "We're getting ready for a production decision around January or February 1999 and, if it's positive, we're due to go ahead in August 1999 and run through to mid-2006," he adds.

The data to support the go-ahead decision will be collected during flight tests starting in July with the first flight of the initial T-38C upgraded during the engineering, manufacturing and development phase. The first two aircraft will begin initial tests at Edwards AFB, California, for about two months, before transferring to Columbus AFB, Mississippi, for further evaluation to the end of 1998.

"A lot of the testing will be to do with the pilot/vehicle interface. It will also look at the new systems and see how they all work together," says engineering group manager, Bill Switzer. The new systems include global positioning system/inertial navigation and traffic alert and collision avoidance systems, as well as multifunction and electronic engine displays, up front control panels and a hands-on-throttle-and-stick. The front cockpit is being equipped with a large field of view head up display.

A "dock system" has been set up in the Williams hangar where the T-38A was maintained when the site was operated by the USAF, says Pettyjohn. Up to 15 aircraft will be held for modification at once with the initial cycle lasting 90 days, later reducing to around 30. "Between seven and seven and a half T-38Cs will be turned out every month," he says.

The contract, aimed at extending the life of the trainer to 2040, includes the provision of 14 aircrew training devices and contractor support for the aircraft and simulators at up to four training bases.

Source: Flight International