Boeing Wins $9.2B U.S. Air Force Contract for T-X Advanced Military Pilot Training Jets, Simulators, Ground Equipment

September 28, 2018

Courtney E. Howard

U.S. Air Force officials announced a $9.2 billion award to Boeing [NYSE:BA] to provide a new, advanced pilot training system that will help train fighter and bomber pilots for generations to come, officials say. Boeing, designated as prime contractor on the Air Force’s Advanced Pilot Training Program, is contracted to deliver 351 T-X military jets , 46 simulators , and associated ground equipment.

Boeing and risk-sharing partner Saab in Stockholm, Sweden, designed, developed, and flight tested two all-new, purpose-built T-X jets ― proving out the system’s design, repeatability in manufacturing, and training capability.

An initial $813 million contract to Boeing covers the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) of the first five aircraft and seven simulators.

The Boeing and Saab clean-sheet military trainer aircraft design beat out other advanced military trainers from other industry leaders vying for the contract win, including: the T-50A from Lockheed Martin and Korea Aerospace Industries, and T-100 from Leonardo S.p.A. based on the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master military transonic trainer aircraft. Leonardo is building new U.S. trainer aircraft manufacturing facility in the Tuskegee, Ala.

“We expect T-X to be a franchise program for much of this century,” says Leanne Caret, president and CEO at Boeing Defense, Space & Security in Berkeley, Mo. “Today’s announcement is the culmination of years of unwavering focus by the Boeing and Saab team. It is a direct result of our joint investment in developing a system centered on the unique requirements of the U.S. Air Force.”

“This selection allows our two companies to deliver on a commitment we jointly made nearly five years ago,” adds Håkan Buskhe, president and CEO of Saab. “It is a major accomplishment for our partnership with Boeing and our joint team, and I look forward to delivering the first trainer aircraft to the Air Force.”

Boeing is now clear to begin placing orders with its suppliers, including Saab. At this stage, Saab has not received an order from Boeing.

More than 90 percent of Boeing’s offering on the $9.2 billion contract award will be made in the U.S., and will support more than 17,000 jobs in 34 states.

Courtney E. Howard is editorial director and content strategist at SAE International, Aerospace Products Group. Contact her by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..