Mission

The T-1A Jayhawk is a medium-range, twin-engine jet trainer used in the advanced phase of specialized undergraduate pilot training for students selected to fly airlift or tanker aircraft.

Features

The swept-wing T-1A is a military version of the Beech 400A. It has cockpit seating for an instructor and two students and is powered by twin turbofan engines capable of an operating speed of Mach .73. The T-1A differs from its commercial counterpart with structural enhancements that provide for a large number of landings per flight hour, increased bird strike resistance and an additional fuselage fuel tank.

Background

The first T-1A was delivered to Reese Air Force Base, Texas, in January 1992, and student training began in 1993.

Since the late 1950s, Air Force undergraduate pilot training students have trained in two aircraft: the T-37 Tweet, the primary trainer, and the T-38 Talon, the advanced trainer. With the introduction of specialized undergraduate pilot training in 1993, students continue to receive their primary flying training in the T-37, but the advanced phase was tailored for students' follow-on assignments.

For students going to bombers and fighters, advanced training is conducted in the T-38. Those selected for airlift or tanker aircraft receive advanced training in the T-1A.

The T-1A is used at Columbus AFB, Miss., Laughlin AFB, Texas, and Vance AFB, Okla. It is also used at Randolph AFB, Texas, to train instructor pilots.

General Characteristics

Primary Function: Advanced trainer for airlift and tanker pilots
Builder: Raytheon Corp.
Power Plant: Two Pratt and Whitney JT15D-5B turbofan engines
Thrust: 2,900 pounds each engine
Length: 48 feet, 5 inches (14.75 meters)
Height: 13 feet, 11 inches (4.24 meters)
Wingspan: 43 feet, 6 inches (13.25 meters)
Maximum Speed: 539 miles per hour (Mach .78)
Ceiling: 41,000 feet (12,500 meters)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 16,100 pounds (7,303 kilograms)
Range: More than 2,100 nautical miles
Armament: None
Crew: Three (pilot, co-pilot, instructor pilot)
Date Deployed: February 1992
Unit Cost: $4.1 million
Inventory: Active force, 180; ANG, 0; Reserve, 0

POINT OF CONTACT

June 2001