Official did not go into details on what is actually in those requirements, but emphasized that T-X is only to develop a replacement for the T-38.
In the president's budget request, there is a small amount of funding under T-X for using it as an aggressor training system.
There is no decision that's been made yet to use the T-X in any other capacity.
As an example, Rand pointed to the question of whether T-X will have a radar, something that would be required if T-X is eventually turned into an agressor Red Air jet.
"I don't expect the T-X will come with a radar unless they can do it really smart and don't drive the cost up".
The T-X program is intended to replace the Air Force's fleet of T-38 training aircraft with a more highly advanced jet capable of training pilots for use in fifth generation fighters like the F-22 and F-35. The service plans on issuing a request for proposals on the program in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, with a projected contract award in the fall of 2017.
The service signaled its intention to move ahead with T-X in its fiscal 2016 budget request.
There are two clean-sheet teams going head-to-head for the program in Northrop Grumman and a Boeing-Saab cooperative, while two legacy systems are being offered in the form of Lockheed Martin's offering of Korean Aerospace Industries' T-50, and the T-100, a collaboration between General Dynamics and Italy's Alenia Aermacchi based on the latter's M-346 design. Textron AirLand is also planning to enter a trainer variant of its new Scorpion jet in the competition.
defensenews
The T-X must retain the simplicity and safety of the T-38 so future pilots can learn the fundamentals of staying out in from of a fast moving aircraft. There will be a necessity to place very complex systems and capabilities in the airframe to prepare the pilots for what it to come in their tactical ride. From navigation to aerial refueling to ordinance delivery. Flight planning using integrated mission systems and automated tools, as well as changes on the fly in the air must be mastered. Low level flying capability with the assistance of AESA radar in the advanced course, and all of this is supported by a very capable high fidelity, network capable simulator system with monitoring and analysis tools. Basic comms, ESM, and flight profile disciplines must be learned in an airframe that can stand the beating from a nugget.
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