Aerospace

Boeing Unveils First T-7A Red Hawk Advanced Trainer Jet to be Delivered to the U.S. Air Force

The fully digitally designed aircraft is built and tested using advanced manufacturing, agile software development and digital engineering technology

The first T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer jet to be delivered to the United States Air Force has been presented by Boeing [NYSE: BA]. The plane, which is one of 351 planned by the US Air Force, was unveiled ahead of its formal delivery.

The totally digitally designed aircraft was manufactured and tested utilising modern manufacturing, agile software development, and digital engineering technology, cutting the time between design and first flight in half. The aircraft also has open architecture software, which allows for future mission growth and flexibility.

Ted Colbert, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, said, “We’re excited and proud to deliver this digitally enhanced, next-generation trainer to the United States Air Force.” “This aircraft exemplifies how Boeing, its suppliers, and partners are driving the industry.”

In homage of the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II, the T-7A Red Hawk had a red-tailed livery. The first African American aviation unit in the US military was formed by these airmen.

“The Tuskegee Airmen are one of our Air Force’s most recognised organisations, and the T-7A celebrates the bravery and skill of these trailblazers,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr. “The T-7A Red Hawks, like the Airmen after whom they were called and painted, smash down the barriers of flight.” These digitally-engineered planes will be able to teach a wide range of future fighter and bomber pilots, as well as give an upgraded training system and capabilities.

Before being transferred to the US Air Force, the aircraft will be tested on the ground and in the air near St. Louis. The T-7A programme is based at Boeing’s St. Louis factory, with Saab’s Linkoping, Sweden facility building the aft component of the trainer. Saab will begin producing that part at its new manufacturing site in West Lafayette, Indiana, in the near future.

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Boeing, as a worldwide aerospace leader, designs, manufactures, and services commercial aeroplanes, defence goods, and space systems for clients in over 150 countries. As a leading exporter in the United States, the corporation taps into the skills of a worldwide supply chain to enhance economic opportunity, sustainability, and community impact. Boeing’s diverse workforce is dedicated to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and maintaining a positive work environment.

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Aerospace

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.