Multi-Engine Training System (METS)

The Multi-Engine Training System (METS) is a United States Navy program designed to modernize and replace the aging T-44C Pegasus fleet, which currently serves as the primary multi-engine training platform for Navy pilots. The METS program's specific goal is to procure a new, commercially available multi-engine aircraft, designated the T-54A, and associated ground-based training systems to support intermediate and advanced flight training. This initiative is critical for preparing pilots for accession into operational platforms such as the P-8, EP-3, KC-130, E-6, E-2, CV-22, and MV-22 aircraft. The program aims to ensure the Navy maintains a robust pipeline of qualified multi-engine aviators.

One of the primary objectives of the METS program is the procurement of the T-54A aircraft, which features a modern digital cockpit and leverages commercially available technology to minimize development, testing, and modification costs. The acquisition strategy focuses on rapid fielding by selecting a proven, off-the-shelf airframe, thereby reducing the timeline and risk associated with new aircraft development. The Navy awarded contracts for the airframe, with deliveries scheduled in multiple lots between FY 2023 and FY 2026. The anticipated service life of the T-54A is 30 years, supporting long-term training needs.

In addition to aircraft procurement, the Ground Based Training System (GBTS) is a significant component of the METS budget line. The GBTS includes operational flight trainers, debrief stations, cockpit procedures trainers, and desktop avionics trainers. These devices are essential for providing realistic, high-fidelity training in a controlled environment, allowing student pilots to develop proficiency in multi-engine operations before transitioning to actual flight. The program also funds systems engineering, curriculum updates, and contractor logistics support to ensure the training devices and courseware remain aligned with fleet requirements and evolving operational needs.

The METS program justification is rooted in the operational and sustainment challenges associated with the legacy T-44C fleet. The T-44C has exceeded its fatigue life by more than 50%, leading to increased maintenance costs, obsolescence issues, and diminishing sources for critical components. Operations and support costs for the T-44C have risen significantly, with conditional inspections now costing substantially more per aircraft than a decade ago. These factors underscore the necessity of a replacement platform that is more cost-effective, reliable, and capable of bridging training gaps identified in the Navy's Capabilities Based Assessment for Undergraduate Flight Training.

Support costs within the METS line item encompass the procurement of airframe, engine, and avionics ground support equipment, as well as aircraft protective equipment to facilitate squadron stand-ups and site activation. Additional funding is allocated for non-recurring engineering to adapt commercial training devices for military-specific requirements, interim contractor logistics support, and access to data rights and software licenses for the GBTS. The program also supports mission planning system hardware, maintenance management system configuration, manpower analysis, and curriculum updates to ensure seamless integration of the new training system into Navy operations.

Procurement quantities for the METS program are planned as follows: 10 aircraft in prior years, 26 in FY 2024, and 27 in FY 2025. Initial spares and support equipment are budgeted to ensure operational readiness and minimize downtime during the transition from the T-44C to the T-54A. The production schedule reflects some delays due to supply chain disruptions and labor actions, but the Navy remains committed to delivering the full complement of aircraft and training systems by the end of calendar year 2026.