Contract Includes Upgrades To 178 Aircraft And 30 Training Devices

The U.S. Air Force has awarded a $155.7 million contract to Field Aerospace to upgrade the avionics on the entire T-1A trainer fleet of 178 aircraft and 30 training devices. The U.S. Air Force formally announced the small business award on February 14, the result of a competitive acquisition for which the USAF received eight offers.

Field Aerospace, together with its subcontractors, Nextant Aerospace, Rockwell Collins, and FlightSafety International, will deliver a turnkey avionics modification program which includes all development, certification, equipment, installation and training. “The T-1A contract is a significant win for Field Aerospace and our subcontractors. We look forward to working with our team members to modernize the avionics in the U.S. Air Force’s trainer fleet and expand the capability of their aircraft,” said John Taylor, vice president and general manager of Field Aerospace’s Oklahoma City location. “Winning this award is a testament to our capability to lead and execute a large aircraft modification program.”

Nextant Aerospace will support the design integration, provide the A-kits and complete the FAA STC. “We are thrilled to be have been selected as the subcontractor to Field Aerospace on the T1-A project,” said Mark O’Donnell, Nextant Aerospace’s Executive Vice President. He continued, “We look forward to delivering an exceptional product and unparalleled service.”

Field Aerospace’s solution will utilize the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21TM integrated avionics system for the upgrade program. Rockwell Collins will support software and A-kit development, provide the B-kits (LRUs), and assist with the simulator updates and certification.

This modification will also enable the upgraded Air Force T-1A aircraft to meet the FAA’s Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) Out mandate to support the training aircraft’s standing requirement to access the National Airspace System.

“We have a great track record of providing avionics systems which modernize large fleets of military and special mission aircraft. We look forward to working with Field Aerospace, Nextant and FlightSafety to enable training for the next generation of U.S. Air Force pilots,” said Dave Schreck, vice president and general manager, Airborne Solutions for Rockwell Collins’ Government Systems.

FlightSafety International will also play an important role in updating the simulators and training devices at the four Air Force bases and one Naval station. “FlightSafety is pleased and proud to be a part of the Field Aerospace team on this important T-1A Avionics Modernization Program. We look forward to utilizing our extensive experience with training services and systems, and our long-term working relationship with the Air Education Training Command,” said Ron Ladnier, president of FlightSafety Services Corporation.

The aircraft installation work will all be performed at Field Aerospace’s facility in Oklahoma City and is expected to be completed in 2025.

(Image provided with Field Aerospace news release)

FMI: www.fieldaero.com