First USAF T-Xs to be based at San Antonio

The US Air Force has announced that the forthcoming Advanced Pilot Trainer (T-X) will initially replace the T-38C Talon at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas as the preferred location for the first T-X aircraft, which is scheduled to arrive in 2022. The T-X will thereafter replace the T-38 at other undergraduate pilot training bases, including Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi; Laughlin AFB, Texas; Sheppard AFB, Texas and Vance AFB, Oklahoma. Final decisions on locations are dependent on the outcome of environmental analyses. Stationing the T- X at San AntonioRandolph, which is the base for USAF instructor pilot training will facilitate T-X instructor pilots orientation before the transition to T-X training at other flying training locations. The USAF expects to award a contract for the new trainer aircraft later this year.