The T‑7A Red Hawk. The U.S. follows Poland's lead
In early November, the U.S. Air Force received its first production advanced training aircraft, the T-7A Red Hawk. Although primarily a training aircraft, plans are afoot to develop a combat version. This mirrors the strategy that has been employed in Poland for some time.
The Boeing T-7 Red Hawk emerged from the American T-X program, a venture aiming to replace the Northrop T-38 Talon and other machines currently serving in the U.S. Air Force (USAF).
At first glance, the Red Hawk may appear similar to other designs with comparable purposes, but in terms of its capabilities, it embodies an innovative approach, designed from the ground up following ambitious prerequisites.
This aircraft is the product of a joint collaboration between Saab and Boeing. It boasts fully digital avionics with an open architecture. This guarantees relatively inexpensive yet significant upgrades to the machines in operation. Additionally, it doesn't solely rely on the manufacturer for further advancements, permitting other companies to contribute to the aircraft's development.
A Training Aircraft with Combat Aspirations
Although the USAF has just acquired its first production model, which awaits a battery of tests before activation, the development of the F-7, a combat version of the Red Hawk, is already in discussion. This subject becomes even more complicated when different concepts, as outlined by Lukasz Golowanow from the Konflikty service, are taken into account.
The first concept, proposed by Boeing, involves the creation of a light fighter based on the T-7. Despite limitations related to speed, load capacity, and maneuverability, thanks to its superior avionics, this machine is expected to offer capabilities comparable to 4th generation combat aircraft such as the F-16C, JAS-39C Gripen, or JF-17.
The second idea envisions the T-7 functioning as an intercept fighter to defend U.S. airspace. Operating within friendly territory would alleviate the need for stealthiness or ECCM systems. However, this solution would still grapple with the aircraft's relatively low speed.
The third concept proposes the construction of a light multi-purpose machine that could adapt its configuration depending on the specific needs of a user. Ideally, this would be the armed forces of less affluent countries, where the T-7 would serve as a cost-effective alternative to more expensive multi-role machines.
For countries with advanced military aviation, a combat-ready T-7 would supplement their more complex aircraft, performing simpler, less demanding tasks, thereby reducing overheads.
The Rise of Light Combat Aircraft
The notion of crafting a combat aircraft from a training model isn't a recent one. This approach was adopted years ago with the likes of the Alpha Jet, CASA C-101, L-39 Albatros, BAE Systems Hawk, and the Polish I-22 Iryda.
Currently, there's an upsurge in interest for the LIFT (Lead-in Fighter Trainer) class of aircraft. A new generation of such machines is attracting buyers globally.
A prime example of this trend is the Polish FA-50, which is a combat variant of the T-50 aircraft. This model advances through the TA-50 and FA-50 stages towards combat-focused FA-50 Block 10 or Block 20 models, potentially even a future single-seat version.
While Poland's acquisition of FA-50 aircraft has attracted some criticism, the drive to incorporate such aircraft into air forces isn't an isolated incident.
The primary issue remains their role; these types of aircraft aren't merely smaller, lighter, and cheaper alternatives to expensive multi-role machines. Instead, they serve as a complement, filling roles where deploying an F-16 or F-35 would be like using a cannon to kill a sparrow.
Similarly, the Italians use the M-346 Master exclusively as a training aircraft, named Bielik in Poland. This model has evolved into the combat variant M-346FA and M-346LFFA, which various countries, including Nigeria and Turkmenistan, have ordered.
The development of the Russian Yak-130, based on the same project as the Yak-130 and M-346, follows a comparable trajectory. The variant designated Yak-130M is viewed by its manufacturer as a probable successor to the assault Su-25.
In this case, the relatively weaker wing structure can be compensated with an expanded use of guided weaponry. This allows for target engagement without exposing the aircraft to anti-aircraft defense countermeasures.
