Because it works, it's available, and it's probably the best of the 3 realistic options available.

Id have thought T-50 was a lot of overkill in performance.
Would not the M-346 be more realistic?

Knowing the UK, we'll probably end up with the M345!

Not sure I'd call it overkill. An actual radar and datalink are ideal in a tactical trainer, but even more so if you were to use the same fleet of aircraft for your frontline support (red air, DACT, ADEX etc). Operating something like the TA-50 would not only provide the UK with a great trainer that has performance to read across to frontline platforms, it would also be capable of providing the UK with credible red air.

Of course, capability costs money...

It should also be capable of being used in an operational front line capability. Although that would probably cost more, so it won't happen.

No it shouldn't . They need an advanced trainer.

I’ll maintain my position that if they want an advanced trainer with representative handling and kinematics then it’s a simple field to choose from. If not it widens a little more perhaps into the ethereal space if time doesn’t matter.


The question should be that of how do they wish to offer something different, what would the unique selling point be that’s the differentiator? The answer by the way isn’t that you get the CFS tick 🙄🙄🙄🙄

KAI appear to have gotten off the perch, it will be interesting to see who gets their elbow right in terms of messaging and narrative.

So, BAe's bid to MOD for Hawk T.2 replacement would be a UK built T-7...?

https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/b...t7-trainer-raf

I thought Ukraine had taught us the folly of buying anything US any more?

So what "folly" would that be?

The Yanks make the best and most prolific kit there is.

Does that include Boeing?

With the advent of AI I wonder who will be the first to have a fully autonomous display team?

Already exists, this company have done it with their 'Red Arrows' drone light show.
https://www.droneswarm.co.uk/

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....c94699e663.jpg

Can't they put the wings on straight?

Lets hope the put a UK seat in it, the US option seems to have had suffered from some qualification ‘issues’.

That's simply an homage to BAe build standards! ;)

BAE to get the trainer contract, Leonardo to get the medium helicopter one and everyone is happy?

Pity the government has declared that we can't defend ourselves due to successive defence cuts.

And Aeralis volley back…….

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/aera...shire-jet-hub/

Aeralis, GMB pact aims to build Ayrshire jet hub

Cracks me up that they can con these journalists with the start of the first sentence in that article.......

"British aircraft manufacturer Aeralis has signed a cooperation agreement with........"

How can you be referred to as a manufacturer, when you have never manufactured anything yet..... :ugh: