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Navy Considering New T-45 Trainer Version

By RICHARD R. BURGESS, Managing Editor

The Navy is in the early stages of discussion about development of a new version of the Boeing-built T-45 Goshawk training jet, according to Rear Adm. W. Mark Skinner, program executive officer for tactical air programs.

The T-45D would follow the T-45C currently being delivered as the strike trainer for Navy and Marine Corps pilots.

The Navy will eventually need a follow-on, two-seat trainer capable of training a student aviator to land on and takeoff from an aircraft carrier. Requirements details beyond that, Skinner said, have not yet been formulated with a lot of fidelity.

The Navy is necking down the number of types of aircraft used for undergraduate pilot and flight officer training from the current 10 models to four: the T-45; the T-6B Texan II primary trainer, the T-44C Pegasus advanced multi-engine turboprop trainer, and the TH-57D training helicopter.