Trainer A/C Series

The Trainer Aircraft Series (LI 0549) program within the Navy's Aircraft Procurement budget funds a range of modification efforts for multiple Navy and Naval Test Pilot School trainer aircraft. The overarching objective of this line item is to sustain, modernize, and enhance the safety and mission capability of the Navy's training fleet. This ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and addresses obsolescence, safety, and reliability issues. The program encompasses modifications for the T-44, TH-57, TH-73A, T-54, and a variety of Test Pilot School aircraft, each with specific goals tailored to their operational roles and fleet requirements.

OSIP 005-04 T-44 Avionics Obsolescence focuses on upgrading the T-44 twin-engine turboprop trainer's avionics and associated subsystems. The primary goals are to address obsolescence, improve safety, reliability, and maintainability, and ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates, such as the ADS-B Out requirement for airspace access. Modifications also address Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) and emerging cybersecurity requirements. Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) are incorporated to keep the T-44 fleet operationally relevant and compliant through its planned service life.

OSIP 006-07 TH-57 Safety Upgrade supports the TH-57 rotary wing trainer by implementing safety updates and avionics upgrades needed for FAA compliance. The objectives include enhancing airframe and subsystem safety, addressing obsolescence, and improving reliability and maintainability. Modifications are driven by both regulatory requirements and internal assessments of fleet safety and readiness, with a focus on avionics obsolescence and cybersecurity. The program also funds training equipment and support to ensure effective implementation.

OSIP 015-16 Test Pilot School (TPS) Aircraft provides for modifications to a diverse fleet of aircraft used by the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. The goals are to maintain safety, reliability, and mission capability through upgrades to airframes, avionics, propulsion, and subsystems. Key initiatives include the T-38 Wing Upgrade Program and the Talon Repair, Improvement, and Modification (TRIM) program. These efforts align Navy TPS aircraft with USAF configurations, reduce support costs, and extend operational life. Additional efforts include upgrades to the UH-72A helicopter and NU-1B Otter, supporting evolving training requirements and safety standards.

OSIP 006-23 TH-73A Correction of Deficiencies addresses deficiencies identified during testing and operational use of the TH-73A, the Navy's new rotary wing trainer. Modifications include structural, systems, and propulsion changes, such as improvements to the human-machine interface, NVG-compatible lighting, battery upgrades, and various airframe enhancements. The objective is to ensure the TH-73A meets all operational, safety, and supportability requirements as it replaces the legacy TH-57 fleet.

OSIP 011-26 T-54 Avionics Obsolescence is a new start in FY 2026, targeting post-production upgrades to the T-54 multi-engine trainer. The primary focus is on replacing legacy VHF radios with units supporting an increased frequency range, ensuring compliance with mission requirements and addressing obsolescence and DMSMS. Additional upgrades include improvements to the Integrated Terrain Awareness Warning System and other avionics components to enhance safety, reliability, and mission capability.

OSIP 012-26 TH-73A Safety Upgrades funds further safety and avionics modifications for the TH-73A, including the addition of a gang bar cover to prevent inadvertent power loss, an Electronic Standby Instrument System (ESIS) with battery backup, and other safety-related enhancements. These modifications are designed to address evolving fleet requirements, improve operational safety during training, and ensure compliance with FAA and Navy standards. Non-recurring engineering is also funded to support future safety-related modifications as fleet needs evolve.