T-45 Series

The T-45 Series Modification Program is a Navy initiative funded under Aircraft Procurement, Budget Activity 05, focused on the modification of the T-45 Training System (T45TS), which includes both aircraft and Ground-Based Training Systems (GBTS). The program's goals are to correct operational deficiencies, address safety and reliability concerns, mitigate avionics obsolescence, extend aircraft service life, ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates, and reduce physiological risks to aircrew. The FY 2026 budget request supports these objectives through a series of targeted Operational Safety and Improvement Programs (OSIPs), each addressing specific aspects of the T-45 fleet's readiness and capability.

Modifications to resolve safety and reliability issues identified during operational use and testing are funded to address structural enhancements to the airframe, such as repairs to the wing centerline joint and canopy frame. Systems upgrades to landing gear, control surfaces, and electrical systems are also included. Engine and propulsion system modifications are intended to increase reliability and reduce the risk of engine surge or stall. The program involves both non-recurring engineering and recurring kit procurement and installation, with major contractors including Boeing and Vertex Aerospace.

Efforts to address the safety concern of engine surge and stall events in the single-engine T-45 aircraft include modifications to the engine, airframe inlets, and fuel control systems. The program provides for the procurement and installation of inlet modification kits, engine stator vane kits, and ignition coil kits, along with recurring engineering support to address ongoing module obsolescence. Vertex Aerospace and Safran Power Units are key manufacturers for these upgrades.

Upgrades to aging avionics components and efforts to address Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) include updates to the Mission Data Processor, Pilot Display Unit/Heads-Up Display, Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN), ARC-182 radio, and other communication and navigation systems. The program also funds software updates and simulator concurrency to maintain training effectiveness and compliance with evolving cybersecurity requirements. BAE Systems and Mercury Mission Systems are among the primary vendors for these avionics upgrades.

Modifications designed to extend the T-45 aircraft's service life from the original design hours to a higher threshold are based on findings from the Service Life Assessment Program (SLAP). These include structural repairs to the fuselage and wings, with non-recurring engineering to address fatigue life and ensure safe operation through the planned service period. The program supports Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) requirements and involves technical support and onsite engineering to manage installation anomalies and multiple aircraft configurations.

Efforts to ensure the T-45 fleet remains compliant with FAA NextGen airspace mandates focus on the requirement for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B Out) capability. The program equips all T-45 aircraft and simulators with ADS-B Out and addresses obsolescence in Multi-Function Color Displays, incorporating Midair Collision Avoidance Capability. Updates to the Global Positioning System Inertial Navigation Assembly (GINA) are included to maintain unrestricted access to national airspace and support ongoing pilot training.

Modifications to reduce aircrew physiological episodes (PE), which can be caused by failures in life support systems such as the Onboard Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS) and Environmental Control System (ECS), include installation of new oxygen concentrators, backup oxygen systems, and enhanced monitoring equipment. These upgrades are intended to address the highest-likelihood causal factors for PEs and improve overall aircrew safety.

Inactive OSIPs represent previously funded modifications that are no longer active in the current budget cycle. These include residual procurement costs and rescissions from earlier years, with no new funding or installations planned for FY 2026.