Training System Aircraft

The Training System Aircraft program aims to enhance the Naval Undergraduate Flight Training Systems, which include platforms such as the T-45, T-6, T-44, TH-57, and TH-73A. The primary objective is to improve reliability, maintainability, and safety to meet the Chief of Naval Air Training's requirements. This involves engineering change proposals for avionics modernization, corrosion prevention, and obsolescence management. Additionally, the program focuses on integrating new solutions to address evolving fleet training needs and conducting retrofit integration testing for the T-45.

Training Aircraft Updates are a key component of this initiative, focusing on both pre and post-production improvements. These updates include efforts to mitigate physiological episodes in T-45 and T-6 aircraft through comprehensive studies and development projects. The program also addresses the aging T-44 Multi-Engine Training System by exploring alternatives for its replacement. This involves market research, acquisition strategy development, and prototype testing to ensure continuous support for fleet replacement squadrons with qualified naval aviators.

The Physiological Episodes project specifically targets the mitigation of physiological episodes experienced in the T-45 and T-6 training aircraft. The goal is to conduct studies on breathing resistance limits under various conditions to inform future platform improvements. Collaborative efforts with the US Air Force are underway for the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS/T-6), focusing on operational field tests of new oxygen concentrators and backup oxygen systems.

These initiatives under the Training System Aircraft program are designed to ensure that naval aviators receive effective training through updated systems that align with current and future operational requirements. By addressing obsolescence issues and enhancing safety measures, the program seeks to maintain high availability and reduce operating costs while preparing aviators for their roles in fleet operations.