USAF's Red Hawk trainer readies for climate chamber testing
On 15 December 2023, the third Boeing T-7A Red Hawk (21-7003) arrived at Eglin AFB (FL) to begin a series of climate testing at the McKinley Climatic Laboratory.
On 14 November 2023, Scramble Magazine wrote about how the Red Hawk will prepare future fighter pilots well into the 22nd century. At that time, we erroneously mentioned 21-7001 as being the particular aircraft.
The purpose of the testing is to verify the Red Hawk’s system functionality while operating in extreme environmental conditions. Among others, those conditions consist of minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit and up to 110 degrees sustained temperatures. The climatic chamber testing will evaluate the aircraft system’s performance including propulsion, hydraulic, fuel, electrical, secondary power, environmental control, and overall operations.
The first T-7A only arrived at Edwards AFB (CA) for testing in November. It is set to be the replacement aircraft for USAF's Northrop T-38C Talon fleet. The T-7A will drastically improve training for the next generation of fighter and bomber pilots and will better prepare student pilots to advance into fourth and fifth generation fighter and bomber aircraft. With advanced mission systems, a glass touchscreen cockpit, stadium seating, and embedded training capability the T-7A Redhawk will make a fundamental difference in future pilot training.
The McKinley Climatic Laboratory is both an active laboratory and a historic site located in Building 440 on Eglin Air Force Base. The laboratory is part of the 96th Test Wing. In addition to USAF testing, it can be used by other US government agencies and private industry.
Credit photo: USAF