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 (AETC) 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 497 active T-38's in the Air Force inventory (53 T-38A, six (6) AT-38B and 438 T-38C). T-38s first entered service in 1960 and average over 50 years old. Studies & development efforts supporting future ACAT III Engineering Change Proposals to address obsolescence issues for the T-38 platform and accomplish the regular block upgrades on the T-38C as required to keep the system current. Block upgrades will be accomplished with Operations & Maintenance funding unless the 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, and to address flight safety issues. The block upgrades support the T-38C aircraft and Aircrew Training Devices. Block 11 - Updates the T-38C avionics software to include updates for the Operational Flight Program (OFP), Aircrew Training Device (ATD), Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS), and applicable Ground Station Software (GSS). Multi-Functional Display (MFD) and the Electronic Engine Display (EED) - L3 Display Systems is unable to continue support of the T-38C MFD and EED beyond March 2026. Development of replacement displays must begin in FY21 to ensure continued AETC pilot production. There are 2 MFDs and 2 EEDs per aircraft (1,768 displays). A new Digital Fuel Mass Flow Transmitter will need to be incorporated into the EED redesign which will reduce Unscheduled Engine Removals (UER). This is a top driver of engine removals across the T-38C fleet; replacement will increase MTBF and save the USAF repair and maintenance costs. Video Data Transfer Unit (VDTU) - The current T-38C VDTU is obsolete and the Compact Flash Cards (CFC) that record flight data are no longer procurable and are unsustainable in terms of repair cost, maintenance actions, aircraft downtime, and availability of replacement parts. A redesigned VDTU is required to interface at the higher data speeds inherent with new technology such as the recently installed Mission Display Processor. An increased data recorder sample rate will need to be incorporated as well as the Power Level Angle recording to monitor engine performance. Increase recording capability is required to handle the increased data flow. Flight Director/Attitude Heading and Reference System (AHARS) - Requirement to develop , integrate, and replace the Attitude Director Indicator (ADI), Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI), Attitude Gyro Control Assembly, Rate Switching Gyro, Rate Gyro Transmitter, Servo-Amplifier, and Flight Director Computer for the T-38A/AT-38B. The intent of this effort is to significantly improve sub-system reliability, suitability, and pilot safety during flight operations. Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) - to update firmware on approximately 448 T-38C TCAS units. The need for which derives from increased TCAS II processor failures resulting from increased squitter traffic associated with Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) transmissions. T-38A & AT-38B Speed Brake Open Warning Light - Is a new requirement that will require market research and an estimate. This modification has been accomplished on the T-38C however the avionics system architecture prevent to T-38C design incorporation in to the T-38A and AT-38B. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver the Specialized Undergraduate Flight Training system capability. The use of such programs funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605831F. In FY20 $0.000M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY21 $0.000M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2022
- Source ID
- 676037_0604233F_7_3600_PB_2022
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