Field Aerospace begins T-1A flight deck modernization

Field Aerospace began the flight deck modernization of the first of 178 U.S. Air Force (USAF) T-1A trainer aircraft that will bring the USAF’s fleet into compliance with Federal Aviation Administration Airspace System mandates and address increasing obsolescence problems.

Field Aerospace’s $155.7-million contract with the USAF includes upgrading the turnkey avionics on the entire fleet of 178 aircraft and 30 training devices to a Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21TM system, as part of the USAF’s approved integration plan for upgrades that will standardize the flight deck and classroom simulator training. This upgrade will let the Air Force meet the FAA’s Automatic Dependent Surveillance -Broadcast (ADS-B) Out mandate to support the aircraft’s standing requirement to access the National Airspace System.

Field Aerospace and subcontractors including Nextant Aerospace, Rockwell Collins, HEBCO and FlightSafety International will deliver all programmatic development, certification, equipment, installation and training.