Derivative T406 Based Turbofans for Advanced Trainers

Abstract

A need exists to modernize undergraduate pilot training procedures and resources to better address the emergence of new fighter/attack bomber and transport aircraft such as the ATF, A-12, B-1, B-2, C-17 and ATT. The current U.S. training resources consist of the T-37/T-38 aircraft for the Air Force and the T-45, which will replace the T-2C and the TA-4J, in the U.S. Navy pilot training program. The T-37 and T-38 aircraft are of the 1950s-1960s vintage and do not have the flying qualities, sustained G and Mach capability, and cockpit technologies consistent with now-emerging fighter/attack aircraft. The disparity in aircraft agility between today’s (and tomorrow’s) front line aircraft and trainers is illustrated in Fig. 1.