BAE Systems is teaming with Northrop Grumman to propose its Hawk trainer for a forthcoming U.S. Air Force competition to replace the T-38C fast-jet trainer.
The team plans to announce their partnership on Sept. 19 at the annual Air Force Association conference, according to industry officials.
Competitors are likely to include Lockheed Martin/Korea Aerospace Industries’ T-50 and Alenia Aermacchi’s M346.
It is unclear yet whether BAE or Northrop Grumman will serve as prime contractor. However, an industry source noted that the latter’s piece of work will be run out of the company’s technical services division. This could indicate that its workshare will focus on the ground-based training and support pieces of the bid. During the Paris air show this summer, BAE officials indicated they intend to be the prime contractor of the bid. In contrast, Alenia says it is considering taking on a U.S. prime.
BAE officials declined to confirm the partnership, pending Monday’s press conference.
The service plans to buy up to 350 T-X aircraft as well as ground-based simulation aids in what it says will be an end-to-end training system.
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