T-38 Operational System Development

Abstract

The T-38 is a twin engine, two seat (tandem), supersonic jet trainer used by Air Education and Training Command as an advanced trainer in Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training. Modifications are budgeted to enhance operational capability while improving flight safety, reliability and maintainability. There are currently 505 T-38s in the Air Force inventory (53 T-38A, 6 AT-38B and 446 T-38C) with 4 T-38Cs pending removal. T-38s first entered service in 1962 and average over 48 years old. T-38C avionics system obsolescence remediation efforts to qualify updated systems the T-38C will continue from FY2016 through 2018 with development of a replacement Mission Display Processor (MDP), refurbishment of the existing Heads-Up Display, development and integration of an Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) solution as well as replacement of the VHF Communication radio system and the VHF Navigation radio system. The development and integration of an ADS-B solution will also include A/B aircraft. Additionally, studies & development efforts to support future ACAT III Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) to address obsolescence issues and the regular block upgrades are required to keep the system current these will be accomplished with O&M unless block upgrade provides additional capabilities. Block upgrades incorporate software and/or hardware improvements to comply with new capabilities mandated by Department of Defense, Federal Aviation Administration or National Airspace System (DoD/FAA/NAS) and to address flight safety issues. The block upgrades support the T-38C aircraft and Aircrew Training Devices (ATD).

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2017
• Source ID: 676037_0604233F_7_3600_PB_2017

Tags

Readers

• Aviation Safety and Air Traffic Management
• Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

• Hypersonics
• Space