After Raytheon-Leonardo, Northrop-BAE Systems Team Backs Out Of USAF T-X Trainer Program

Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems have decided not to submit a proposal for the US Air Force T-X Trainer program after carefully examining requirements and acquisition strategy as stated in the final request for proposals issued on Dec. 30, 2016.

“The companies have decided not to submit a proposal for the T-X Trainer program, as it would not be in the best interest of the companies and their shareholders,” the companies said in a joint statement Wednesday.

Raytheon and Leonardo-Finmeccanica jointly announced that they would not be participating in the US Air Force T-X trainer acquisition program last week.

With the two teams backing out of the program, it is now left with only two teams.

Boeing and its partner Saab AB have unveiled their two production T-X aircraft for the US Air Force trainer competition in September last year. 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.

Apart from Boeing-Saab, Lockheed Martin-KAI team is offering T-50A.

BAE systems-Northrop Grumman and L-3 systems were offering a new aircraft to the US. Raytheon-Leonardo and CAE were offering T-100 based on M-346 design.

T-X will replace the Air Force’s aging T-38 aircraft. Initial operating capability is planned for 2024.