Boeing has announced that its T-7A Red Hawk supersonic advanced jet trainer received Military Flight Release certification from the US Air Force.
The milestone authorizes the aircraft’s first flight with military pilots.
Cleared for takeoff!
T-7A #RedHawk received its Military Flight Release (MFR) from the @USAirForce, signaling clearance for first flight. The MFR affirms that all air worthiness processes have been met to conduct flight and test operations of the advanced trainer. pic.twitter.com/g8TkivOTTN
— Boeing Defense (@BoeingDefense) June 12, 2023
According to the company, the decision was reached after an airworthiness panel assessed the T-7A’s potential flight risks.
The board affirmed that all airworthiness processes had been met, and the aircraft was cleared to conduct flight and test operations.
T-7A Setbacks
First unveiled in 2022, Boeing’s T-7A Red Hawk is a “fully digitally-designed aircraft” built using advanced manufacturing and modern engineering technologies.
It will replace the air force’s aging T-38 Talon in teaching pilots to fly fourth-and fifth-generation aircraft.
Despite the certification, the production of the T-7A is still facing a two-year delay due to design issues, particularly with the aircraft’s emergency escape system.
The new schedule states that the Red Hawk will enter production in 2025 and achieve initial operational capability in 2027 – two years beyond original expectations.
