US Air Force conducts climate testing with the T-7A Red Hawk
T-7A Red Hawk trainer aircraft. (Photo: US Air Force)
The US Air Force’s (USAF) 96th Test Wing’s McKinley Climatic Lab recently announced the conclusion of the second round of extreme weather testing with the Boeing T-7A Red Hawk trainer aircraft.
The platform’s sustainability, system operations and engine were evaluated in a 55,000 ft² (5,110 m²) chamber which replicated challenging environmental scenarios.
It included temperatures ranging from 44°C to -25.5°C (110°F to -14°F) and over 305 km/h (190 mph) wind streams. The chamber also simulated icing and low visibility for flight and landing conditions.
Mike Keltos, Director of Test & Evaluation for the Air Force Life Cycle Management Centre’s
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
UK vows to accelerate Lyra programme for Ukraine as defence industry eyes opportunities
Project Nightfall and Project Octopus both fall under the Lyra programme, with UK industry working to develop and deliver additional missiles and drones to help bolster Ukraine’s warfighting capabilities against Russia.
-
How detection-led C-UAS solutions are transforming drone defense
Modern C-UAS solutions must detect threats early, integrate layered sensors, and deliver fast, scalable, adaptable defense against evolving drones.
-
US approves $16.5 billion in ‘emergency’ sales for air defence equipment for Middle East allies
The United Arab Emirates has taken the lion’s share of this round, with the US supporting its F-16 fleet and signing off on possible sales for more AMRAAM AIM-120 missiles and a counter-drone system.
-
How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics
Defence industry primes are working on an array of different platforms to meet the growing need for rotary uncrewed aerial vehicles to carry out future logistics missions.