I knew this was coming... The T-38 fleet is one of the oldest operating fleets of military aircraft in operation today. The big question is what will replace the venerable fighter? Northrup Grumman no longer builds the F-5 platform and there are no chances of a production line being restarted. There is currently no supersonic trainer in development in the US.

Thoughts?

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/04/22/325476/usaf-surveys-industry-for-t-38-replacement.html

I could see a localized version of the KAI T-50 from South Korea as a possible option. The T-50 is supersonic and in production for the RoKAF. Not to mention the uncanny similarities to the F-16, which is produced by Samsung Aerospace for the RoKAF.

A trainer version of the F-16? Lockheed Martin has the F-16 already in production for the UAE, and some other nations. How much would it take to modify an F-16D in a manner that renders it a stable and reliable training platform? The VISTA project conducted by the USAF and NASA has proved the idea of an "inflight simulator" on the F-16. Also, the digital F-16 could provide a good entry into the digital cockpits of the F-22, F-35 and F-15E. The only draw-back I can see is the possibility of a technology gap between the T-6A, and the proposed "TF-16D". Maybe that is what simulators are for???

Lastly, a localized version of the BAe Hawk or McDD T-45C Goshawk. The big question there is how important is supersonic flight to the training regimen? Many air forces conduct their pilot training without the use of supersonic trainers. Could this part of the flight envelope be added to the pilot's type conversion course?

My $$$ is on the TF-16D

Yeah id think the American version of the BAE Hawk, the T-45 would probably be the route they go. But as of right now the 562 remaining T-38 aircraft are getting avionics and structural upgrades to extend service life to 2020. I guess much like the A-10C program.

Quote

---

bytefyter :
the new Aermacchi trainer (I forgot the designation...sorry).

---

do you mean the 346?

it actually HAS supersonic capabilities
take a look here

I know the F-22 does use super-cruise in air to air engagement scenarios. This capability allowed one pilot to claim 8 victories against the F-15. The Raptor being able to hit the opponent, quicker, and faster before they had time to react.

twin-engined, quadruple fly-by-wire, embedded simulation, supersonic, advanced handling characteristics, a lot of US technologies.... I think the M-346 can be the best option for US requirements. Moreover, a lot of programmes have been established between US and italian industries. And with the selling of 48 such trainers in the Emirates, and 16 in Italy, with the development programme of a dedicated armed version, will make it more suitable for the US needs, cutting all the costs related to development of non-specific equipments. If you add the number of airframe involved, it's foreseeable the opening of a production line in continental USA. Something else? Greetings from Italy......