The first flight of the second aircraft under development by Boeing and Saab for the US Air Force's (USAF's) T-X advanced pilot training programme has been completed, Boeing announced on 24 April.

The one-hour flight validated key aspects of the aircraft and further demonstrated the performance of the design.

Test pilots trained for the flight using the complete Boeing T-X system, which includes ground-based training and simulation. The Boeing T-X aircraft features one engine, twin tails, stadium seating, and an advanced cockpit with embedded training.

Boeing and Saab revealed their design in September 2016 and flew the first T-X aircraft in December.

The T-X programme will replace the USAF's aging T-38 aircraft. Initial operating capability is planned for 2024.