- Last Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) jet receives aft section from Saab and is joined with forward fuselage
ST. LOUIS, June 16. The final aft, or rear section, of the T-7A Red Hawk trainer aircraft for the United States Air Force arrived at Boeing from teammate Saab in Linköping, Sweden, signaling the final EMD part delivery.
With both the forward and aft fuselages complete, the two sections were joined together in less than 30 minutes ‒ a fraction of the time it takes for traditional aircraft builds and a testament to the benefits of the T-7A’s digital foundation.
In the future, Saab will produce the rear sections at their manufacturing facility in West Lafayette, Indiana. The new facility will allow for shorter shipping times and increased collaboration between Boeing and Saab.
“We’re excited to begin building the first trainer jets future Air Force pilots will fly,” said Paul Niewald, Vice President, Boeing T-7 programs. “Boeing and Saab quality and production teams will be closer, accelerating responsiveness to meet engineering and hardware needs.”
“Developed with an engineering approach based on digital models, the T-7A represents a revolutionary approach to developing aircraft,” said Jonas Hjelm, Head of Saab’s Business Aeronautics.
The US Air Force awarded Boeing a $9.2 billion contract for 351 T-7A advanced trainers, 46 simulators and support. The jet was designed using advanced digital modeling and design techniques, and was developed from concept to first flight in 36 months. The T-7A incorporates open architecture software, digital fly-by-wire controls and advanced cockpit technology that provide a new level of safety and training for future fighter pilots.
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top US exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.
