Klikk på miniatyrbilde
Who Has The Edge In The U.S. Air Force T-X Trainer Competition?
Aug 8, 2016
COMMENTS 1
- NextPrev1 of 10
A T-X Primer
In the latest version of the T-X draft request for proposals (RFP), the Air Force threw contractors a curveball—incentivizing industry to exceed the threshold requirements for specific performance aspects. For the aircraft’s crucial G-capability requirement, this means that for every 0.1g above the 6.5g threshold, and up to the 7.5g objective, the bidder will receive a bonus. In other words, for two T-X proposals at the same price, the one with the higher sustained-G capability will be rated higher overall. Depending on the cost of the competing solutions, a proposal with a slightly higher price tag for a greater sustained-G capability could receive the better rating.The Air Force will release a final RFP in December, and anticipates awarding a contract in 2017. T-X initial operational capability is planned for 2024.Photo:
U.S. Air Force
As the U.S. Air Force begins to bring the Lockheed Martin F-35 online, the service is looking for a new fleet of aircraft to train the next generation of pilots. Four industry teams are vying to win the contract to build 350 T-X aircraft and associated training systems—an opportunity lucrative in itself, but one that will also provide the winning team an inside track to any number of international customers who buy the F-35.
