Saab starts production in support of USAF T-7A Programme

Saab starts production in support of USAF T-7A Programme.

On January 10, 2020 Saab started assembly production of its section of the T-7A Red Hawk, the advanced trainer jet developed and produced together with Boeing for the U.S. Air Force.

Saab is responsible for the development and production of the aft fuselage section for the aircraft, with seven aft units being produced in Linköping, Sweden for final assembly at Boeing’s U.S. facility in St. Louis, Missouri.

“In little over a year since we signed the EMD contract, we are starting production of our part of the T-7A jet. This achievement is possible due to the great collaboration between Saab and Boeing, and it is an honour to be part of this programme for the United States Air Force,” says Jonas Hjelm, head of Saab business area Aeronautics.

The work is being performed in Linkoping, Sweden, after which future production of Saab’s part for the T-7A will be moved to the Saab's new plant in West Lafayette, Indiana.

According to Saab, the facility in West Lafayette is an important part of company’s growth strategy in the United States, creating strong organic capabilities for the development, manufacturing and sales of its products.

Boeing is the designated prime contractor for the T-7A advanced pilot training system acquisition by the U.S. Air Force. Saab and Boeing developed the aircraft with Saab as a risk-sharing partner. Saab received the EMD order from Boeing, on September 18, 2018.

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Source, Image: Saab