Together with Boeing and BAE Systems, Saab will develop the next generation of fighter pilot training for the Royal Air Force. The core of the system is the American training aircraft T-7.
Saab, Boeing, and BAE Systems announced on Tuesday that they have signed a letter of intent to jointly participate in the United Kingdom's new initiative for advanced pilot training. The initiative is based on the T-7A Red Hawk training aircraft, which has already been selected by the United States Air Force.
According to the companies, it is not just about delivering a new aircraft, but about creating a complete training ecosystem, with simulated and real flight training, mission planning, and technologies for the future of combat aviation.
– We want to offer the RAF a system that is ready for fourth, fifth, and sixth generation aircraft platforms, says Bernd Peters, Chief Strategy Officer at Boeing Defense.
BAE Systems will lead the project, with final assembly in the United Kingdom – an arrangement that, according to the company, will strengthen both skills supply and the industrial base. The companies also plan to involve more British suppliers in the programme.
Saab's Head of Aviation, Lars Tossman, highlights the T-7's potential as a replacement for the classic training aircraft Hawk, which has been used by the RAF for over 40 years.
– The partnership with Boeing has made the T-7 the world's best solution for future pilot training. In collaboration with BAE, we can offer the RAF a very strong alternative for the coming decades, says Tossman.
Behind the T-7 are Saab and Boeing, who together developed the platform for the needs of the United States Air Force. The aircraft has been designed from the start with open systems and digital construction – making it easier to adapt to different users and technological requirements.