Boeing T-7 to succeed T-38 trainers is facing multiple safety problems, including rainproofness, simulator issues, and refusal of information sharing by Boeing.
Breaking Defense reported that the US Air Force will accept the initial years and lots of T-7 advanced trainers with flight safety issues. In addition to this, Boeing has refused to provide some of the requested technical information to the authorities.
Main problems with T-7 are listed in an investigation by Breaking Defense include problems with the ground simulator, the inability to operate under rain, and the high risk of aircraft sustainment.
Some concerns pushing the aircraft to be introduced rapidly can increase the risks regarding airworthiness and sustainment.
It is argued by anonymous sources that, while Boeing is not compliant, the government also has not spent sufficient effort to have Boeing address the issues or be more transparent.
The issue of no airworthiness under rainy weather also raises questions on T-7 regarding the tender for the UK’s new advanced trainer acquisition, considering the country’s overall humid and rainy climate. Beyond the UK tender, this issue might also affect the tender for the USN’s next trainers to succeed the T-45 Goshawk and even the NGAD programme in which Boeing has been selected to develop the F-47 fighter jet.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
