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Boeing Begins Production of T-7A Weapons Systems Trainers in Missouri

  • January 13, 2021

Leading global aerospace and defense manufacturer Boeing has begun production on the T-7A Red Hawk’s “real-as-it-gets” ground-based training system (GBTS).  The training platform is for its T-7A Red Hawk trainer jets already being built in Missouri.

“The Red Hawk’s training system is arguably the most advanced in the world. It’s a game changer,” said Chuck Dabundo, Vice President of Boeing T-7 Programs. “This system is 100 percent integrated with the pilot’s real-world experience, offering ‘real-as-it-gets’ simulation. We’re working closely with the U.S. Air Force and look forward to testing and fielding the devices.”

Boeing teams are currently assembling the first two weapons systems trainers and an operational flight trainer at the company’s site in St. Louis, Missouri. These simulators, which are the foundation for pilot training and key to the Air Force’s readiness, can digitally connect to actual T-7A aircraft and enable live virtual constructive and embedded training scenarios.

The training simulators are equipped with high-fidelity crew stations that include dynamic motion seats and the Boeing Constant Resolution Visual System’s 8K native projectors, offering 16 times the clarity of traditional high-definition video.

“This is the most accurate, immersive experience that any pilot can have outside the aircraft,” said Sherri Koehnemann, T-7A Training & Sustainment Director at Boeing Global Services. “We’ve integrated the training across the board, including ‘one push’ software updates. What a pilot sees in the classroom, on his or her desktop training devices, and in the operational and weapon systems trainers will be what they see in the jet. Future pilots can expect more holistic, immersive training.”

The T-7A is an all-new training system purpose-built specifically for the Air Force’s mission, giving the U.S. Air Force a flexible design that can adapt as technologies and training needs change. The new aircraft is being produced in Missouri, along with the F/A-18, EA-18, F-15, MQ-25 unmanned refueler, and a large amount of munitions.

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