LINKOPING, Sweden, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- A new trainer aircraft for U.S. Air Force pilots is to be jointly developed by Boeing of the United States and Sweden's Saab AB.
Under a joint development agreement – which covers design, development, production, support, sales and marketing -- announced by Saab, Boeing will be the prime contractor while Saab will be the primary partner for the upcoming USAF T-X competition to replace the aging T-38 aircrew training system.
"Saab is proud to join with Boeing for the T-X competition, thus creating a highly capable team to deliver unprecedented value to the customer," said Saab President and Chief Executive Officer Hakan Buskhe. "We are sure this is the best way to supply affordable first-class trainers to the U.S. Air Force.
"We will invest in development of this completely new aircraft design over the coming years. This cooperation with Boeing is part of our strategic development and we confirm our long-term financial targets."
The Air Force plans to procure 350 new aircraft, plus associated ground-based training systems and logistics and sustainment support.
"Teaming with Saab will bring together our companies' formidable technical expertise, global presence, and willingness to present an adaptable and affordable advanced pilot training solution," said Boeing Military Aircraft President Chris Chadwick.
"Boeing and Saab form the foundation for what will be the strongest, most cost-effective industry team. Our comprehensive Family of Systems approach provides a new, purpose-built T-X aircraft supported by innovative training and logistics support to offer total-life-cycle cost benefits to the U.S. Air Force and taxpayers."
