Lockheed Martin T-50A. Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin’s T-50A flew its 100th sortie at its Greenville, South Carolina, facility, the manufacturer said. Operations began at the site November 2016.
The T-50A is the company’s offering in the U.S. Air Force’s $16 billion T-X program. The Advanced Pilot Training competition aims to introduce a new trainer that can mimic the fourth and fifth generation fighter jets, like the F-22 Raptor and the F-35.
“We’ve met the U.S. Air Force flight test requirements for the proposal, however our flight operations team continues to produce a regular rhythm of sorties to keep the pilots proficient, the aircraft operational and ensure we’re prepared to ramp up operations on day one of a decision,” said Doug Batista, T-50A program director.
Lockheed Martin said that, according to its test pilot, the 100th sortie included simulated air-to-air engagements, simulated air-to-surface attacks and instrument proficiency training.