BAE Systems Welcomes 1 Million Flying Hours in T-45 Goshawk Jet Trainer

BAE Systems welcomes the news that the US Navy has celebrated the major milestone of completing over 1 million flying hours in the T-45 Goshawk, part of the BAE Systems' Hawk family. The T-45 plays a unique role as it is the only jet trainer in the world designed to operate from an aircraft carrier, another great demonstration of the flexibility of the Hawk aircraft.

From sites in the UK, BAE Systems provided the rear and centre fuselage sections, wing assembly and vertical tails for the T-45 Goshawk aircraft. Working in partnership with Boeing, BAE Systems continues to provide engineering, logistics and support equipment to the US Navy for their fleet of 221 aircraft.

Martin Rushton, managing director for BAE Systems' Air Sector Training Business said: "BAE Systems is proud of its role on the T-45 programme, and of the training aircraft capability that we have brought to bear in support of our partnership with Boeing. The T-45 Goshawk plays a key part in the overall training system for the US Navy and it is great to see that the aircraft continues to perform so well."

Greg Dunn, T-45 programme manager for Boeing added: "Our support of the T-45 fleet continues with affordable upgrades and supply chain solutions. The team understands the importance of maximising readiness and safety for the Navy so that aspiring aviators and flight officers are able to climb into a T-45 and take to the sky."

The provision of training systems is a key part of BAE Systems readiness and sustainment capabilities and a total of 221 T-45 aircraft have been delivered to the US Navy.

Over 900 BAE Systems Hawk aircraft have been sold, or are on order, and the aircraft is currently helping produce highly trained pilots across 25 countries worldwide. The Hawk produces less noise and has lower acquisition, operating and support costs than any other advanced jet trainer.

About BAE Systems

BAE Systems is a global defence, security and aerospace company with approximately 107,000 employees worldwide. The Company delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. In 2009 BAE Systems reported sales of £22.4 billion (US$ 36.2 billion).

T-45A Goshawk - Mission

The T-45A Goshawk is a tandem-seat, carrier capable, jet trainer whose mission is to train Navy and Marine Corps pilots.

T-45A Goshawk - Description

The T-45A aircraft, the Navy version of the British Aerospace Hawk aircraft, is used for intermediate and advanced portions of the Navy/Marine Corps pilot training program for jet carrier aviation and tactical strike missions. The T-45A has replaced the T-2 Buckeye trainer and the TA-4 trainer with an integrated training system that includes the T-45A Goshawk aircraft, operations and instrument fighter simulators, academics, and training integration system. There are two versions of T-45 aircraft currently in operational use at this time, the T-45A and T-45C derivatives. The T-45A, which became operational in 1991, contains an analog design cockpit while the new T-45C (began delivery in December 1997) is built around a new digital "glass cockpit" design.


T-45A Goshawk - Specifications

Primary Function: Training platform for Navy/Marine Corps pilots.
Contractor: Boeing Company.
Date Deployed: First flight, April 1988; Operational, 1991.
Unit Cost: $17.2 million.
Propulsion: Rolls Royce F405-RR-401 turbofan engine with 5,527 pounds thrust.
Length: 39 feet 4 inches (11.98 meters).
Height: 13 feet 6 inches (4.11 meters).


Source: Warton, United Kingdom - 21 Sep 2010 - For further information: Dean Tasker, BAE Systems - http://www.baesystems.com & http://www.navair.navy.mil

Photo: T-45 Goshawk Jet Trainer Has now completed over 1 million flying hours. (photo by www.clker.com)

(29.09.2011)