USAF test pilot at the controls of the T-7A Red Hawk
On 28 June 2023, Major Bryce Turner, a test pilot from the 416th Flight Test Squadron (416th FLTS) at Edwards AFB (CA) achieved a historic feat by becoming the first USAF pilot to fly the T-7A Red Hawk.
The aircraft, serial 21-7002, took off for a test flight at the Boeing aircraft delivery center in St. Louis (MO) 11:51 hrs LT. The T-7A Red Hawk will replace the 1950’s era Northrop T-38C Talon and will train future fighter and bomber pilots.
The T-7A programme kicked off in September 2018 when the USAF awarded Boeing a USD 9,2 billion contract to replace Air Education and Training Command’s ageing T-38C fleet with 351 T-7 training aircraft, along with 46 simulators and associated ground equipment. The capabilities of the T-7A will provide student pilots with skills necessary to more effectively transition to 4th & 5th generation fighter/bomber aircraft.
On 28 April 2022, USAF's new Air Education and Training Command (AETC) T-7A trainer made its debut carrying twin red tails as a tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, who flew red tailed P-51 Mustangs into combat and into history as the first African American aviation unit in the US military. While the first Red Hawk carried the cosmetic RA code with "99FTS" titles during its presentation, the aircraft will be delivered to the 416th FLTS at Edwards.
The 99th Flying Training Squadron is part of the 12th Flying Training Wing based at Randolph Air Force Base (TX), and normally operates the T-1A Jayhawk. In July 2022, the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center (AFIMSC) started major construction work at Randolph AFB (TX, also known as Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, to deliver the infrastructure needed to support the Boeing-Saab T-7A Red Hawk.
After serving in operational assignments as an F-16 fighter pilot at Kunsan Air Base (South Korea) and Aviano Air Base (Italy), Major Turner set his sights on attending the prestigious USAF Test Pilot School (TPS) to pursue his dream of testing cutting-edge technology. He joined the TPS class 20A in January 2020 and after graduation he was assigned to the 416th FLTS at Edwards.
Photos by Gerald McGrath