The T-7A Red Hawk training aircraft from Boeing, which was originally scheduled to be in production for two years now, has once again faced delays.
Previously, issues arose with the ejection seat and stability at high angles of attack, followed by challenges related to production readiness and suppliers. It seemed what could be complicated in a training aircraft, but now the Pentagon is to blame for the delays.
It turned out that during testing, the T-7A's flight range was significantly greater than anticipated and even required. Now, the Pentagon wants to determine the actual maximum and how much it can be expanded, including through minor modifications to the aircraft's design.
This means that the so-called Milestone C (completion of development and transition to serial production) will be postponed, as reported by Breaking Defense, which spoke with the head of the Air Force procurement office, Andrew Hunter. However, given that this is an additional request from the Pentagon, all these extra tasks will be compensated, including the purchase of four additional aircraft in 2026 for testing purposes.
From Defense Express's perspective, it's worth noting that the 2018 contract for the T-7A Red Hawk development has already resulted in losses of approximately $1 billion for Boeing, as it was signed at a so-called fixed price. Under the contract terms, the company was supposed to develop the aircraft for a predetermined amount, theoretically allowing for potential profits through savings, but it has only led to losses due to unforeseen issues.
Specifically, such contracts have led Boeing, including those for the development of the MQ-25 tanker drone, the piloted KC-46 Pegasus tanker, and the conversion of two Boeing-747s into presidential aircraft Air Force One (VC-25B), to billions in losses and a reduction of 17,000 employees. However, since the additional work on the T-7A Red Hawk is an extra order at the request of the customer, it will be compensated.
Overall, the Pentagon is confident that the initial operational readiness of the T-7A Red Hawk will be achieved by November 2027 or in 2028. Thus, the program will be delayed by only two years in this regard.
It is worth noting that the combat variant of the T-7A Red Hawk, under the conditional name F-7, is being considered in the U.S. as a replacement for the F-16, serving as a "second-tier" combat machine with low operational costs.