USAF to replace T-38C with T-X aircraft for pilot training

The U.S. Air Force will use the Advanced Pilot Trainer (T-X) at existing undergraduate pilot training bases, replacing the T-38C Talon. The Air Force expects to award a contract for the T-X in 2018, with the first aircraft expected to arrive at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph as early as 2022.

Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph is home to USAF instructor pilot training, making it the key first step in establishing a T-X instructor pilot pipeline and setting the conditions to transition to the T-X at other training locations.

The new trainer will provide student pilots with the skills and competencies required to transition into 4th and 5thgeneration fighter aircraft.

"We need the T-X program to properly train our pilots to fly our growing fleet of 5th generation aircraft," said Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David L. Goldfein. "This new training capability will enable pilots to receive realistic training in a system similar to our fielded fighters."