
Boeing has started producing the T-7A Red Hawkβs ground-based training system (GBTS) for the U.S. Air Force.
The company is currently assembling the first two weapons systems trainers and an operational flight trainer at the companyβs St. Louis site. These simulators, which are the foundation for pilot training and key to the Air Forceβs readiness, can digitally connect to actual T-7A aircraft and enable live virtual constructive and embedded training scenarios.
βThe Red Hawkβs training system is arguably the most advanced in the world. Itβs a game changer,β said Chuck Dabundo, vice president of Boeing T-7 Programs. βThis system is 100% integrated with the pilotβs real-world experience, offering βreal-as-it-getsβ simulation. Weβre working closely with the U.S. Air Force and look forward to testing and fielding the devices.β
The training simulators are equipped with high-fidelity crew stations that include dynamic motion seats and the Boeing Constant Resolution Visual Systemβs 8K native projectors, offering 16 times the clarity of traditional high-definition video (1080p).
βThis is the most accurate, immersive experience that any pilot can have outside the aircraft,β said Sherri Koehnemann, T-7A Training & Sustainment director at Boeing Global Services. βWeβve integrated the training across the board, including βone pushβ software updates. What a pilot sees in the classroom, on his or her desktop training devices, and in the operational and weapon systems trainers will be what they see in the jet. Future pilots can expect more holistic, immersive training.β
The T-7Aβs GBTS was built on an open systems architecture of hardware and digital software that will allow it to grow with the Air Forceβs evolving needs.
Boeing expects to deliver the first T-7A Red Hawk simulators to the Air Force in 2023.