Boeing has lifted the lid of the first production T-7A Red Hawk trainer to be delivered to the United States Air Force. The first of 351 aircraft ordered has a special color in honor of the Tashkigi aviators.

The T-7A, a joint venture between Boeing and Saab, will replace the half-century-old Northrop T-38 trainer, which will be decommissioned in 2023. The new simulator is designed to train pilots to control the next generation of fighters and bombers while also being able to adapt to changes in aviation technology using digital engineering processes.

According to Boeing, the T-7A is ergonomic not only for the pilot, but also for the ground crew: the access panels are placed at a suitable height that allows easy access to internal components. In addition, the engine can be replaced in a few hours by a small crew.

Although the T-7A is primarily a trainer, its glider and digital design can be modified for use as a light fighter or attack aircraft. The T-7A bow is currently in St. Louis and its stern is located in Linköping, Sweden, but Saab plans to move production to a new factory in West Lafayette, Indiana.