Boeing-Saab T-7A reaches key escape-system milestone following years of setbacks

The latest test brings the US Air Force’s training jet closer to service, but the programme’s previous delays continue to weigh on Saab financially.
The Boeing-Saab T-7A Red Hawk programme has completed its final planned escape-system test, marking a significant step forward for the US Air Force’s next-generation advanced jet trainer following years of technical difficulties and scheduling delays.

The test, conducted at Holloman AFB in New Mexico on 7 October, simulated an emergency ejection from an aircraft travelling at 550kt (1,020km/h).

Since Boeing and Saab were selected in September 2018 to develop the T-7A as a replacement for the air force’s ageing Northrop T-38 Talon fleet, the programme has experienced repeated setbacks, including escape-system safety concerns and flight-control software problems that have contributed to delays in its development and production schedule.

The completion of this test suggests the programme is making progress towards finally bringing the aircraft into service.

The air force describes the successful test as “paving the way toward final qualification of the escape system and supporting future production aircraft deliveries”.

Slow progress weighs on Saab

Despite this latest milestone, the programme’s prolonged development has continued to affect Saab financially.

During its third-quarter earnings call in October, Saab reported that the slower-than-expected ramp-up in T-7A production was negatively impacting its profitability.

The Swedish manufacturer, which produces the aircraft’s rear fuselage, is absorbing additional costs of about SKr500 million ($50 million) annually as a result of the T-7A production delays.

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