Boeing T-7A Red Hawk Test Launches New Simulation Tech, Withstands -25F Cold

by Olawale Abaire, Warrior Contributor

The T-7A Red Hawk, the new advanced pilot trainer from Boeing, has recently hit three significant milestones. This next-generation aircraft is set to replace the 1960s-era T-38 Talon. The Red Hawk’s digital design allows for cost-effective integration of training capabilities, aiming to improve pilot training for the next generation of fighter and bomber pilots.

Currently, Boeing has effectively completed three evaluation tests on the T-7A Red Hawk. These tests focused on climate control, the escape system, and flight control law.

The Climate Chamber Test was conducted on the T-7A aircraft APT-3, one of five aircraft in the engineering and manufacturing development phase. The aircraft was subjected to severe testing at Eglin Air Force Base, with temperatures ranging from -25°F to 110°F. This assessment scrutinized the performance of the aircraft’s systems, including propulsion, hydraulic, fuel, electrical, secondary power, environmental control, and overall operations under extreme environmental conditions. Following the test, the aircraft returned to St. Louis for further testing.

The Escape System Test was a dynamic sled test conducted by Boeing and the Air Force in February at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico. The test aimed to enhance the design of the Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, ACES 5 ejection seat and Pacific Scientific EMC’s canopy fracturing system to minimize the risk of injury. The team implemented variable timing to decelerate the ejection seat using the drogue chute and examined the patterns of the canopy fracturing system. The team is now gearing up for the next round of development testing.

On the F-35 Production Line

n terms of Flight Control Law, Boeing completed the development of a new software flight control law in February. Since then, the aircraft has been flown more than 10 times, achieving a 25-degree angle of attack. In addition, three of these flights demonstrated the aircraft’s ability to fine track while in a high angle of attack, which is a crucial capability for pilot training. The incorporation of control law 17.5 paves the way for the Air Force to commence high angle of attack and departure resistance testing at Edwards Air Force Base.