Air Force's T-7 Red Hawk Undergoes New Round of Testing

Trials at a climatic lab will verify system functionality during operations conducted in extreme temperatures.

Kimberly Johnson

Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 03:49 PM ET

Verified

The first T-7A Red Hawk arrives at Edwards Air Force Base, California, on November 8. [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Air Force's new T-7A Red Hawk trainer is undergoing climate chamber testing at Eglin Air Force Base to ensure system functionality across extreme temperatures, ranging from minus-25 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Red Hawk is set to replace the 1960s-era T-38 trainer for Air Force pilot training, honoring the Tuskegee Airmen with its red-tail livery.
This testing is a critical step for the $9.2 billion program, which includes 351 jets and 46 simulators, following the advanced trainer's recent first cross-country flight for further evaluation.

See a mistake? Contact us.

The U.S. Air Force’s new Boeing T-7A Red Hawk trainer is undergoing climate chamber testing in Florida, the service announced Tuesday.

A series of testing is underway at the McKinley Climatic Lab at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, to verify T-7A system functionality during periods of extreme temperatures. During the tests, performance of the T-7’s propulsion, hydraulic, fuel, electrical, secondary power, and overall operations will be evaluated in conditions ranging from minus-25 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.