Boeing, Saab Unveil New T-X Trainer Aircraft for Giant US Air Force Contract

Boeing and Saab have unveiled their new T-X aircraft in a bid for an enormous US Air Force training plane contract, according to a news release.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — "Boeing and its partner Saab AB will use their two production T-X aircraft, revealed today, to show the US Air Force the performance, affordability, and maintainability advantages of their approach," Boeing stated in a news release on Tuesday.

Press release: Boeing And Saab Reveals First Two Aircraft For Air Force T-X Competition https://t.co/4YZoiOGyWl pic.twitter.com/8rUghjpbta

— Saab AB (@Saab) 13 сентября 2016 г.

​Boeing described the T-X as an all-new aircraft designed specifically for the US Air Force training mission that takes advantage of the latest technologies, tools and manufacturing techniques.

"The Boeing T-X aircraft has one engine, twin tails, stadium seating and an advanced cockpit with embedded training. The system also offers state-of-the-art ground-based training and a maintenance-friendly design for long-term supportability," the release said.

The eventual winner of the contest will replace the US Air Force’s current, aging T-38 aircraft. Initial operating capability is planned for 2024, the release noted.