Three of the projects for new training aircraft, T-X for the US Air Force became known with the publishing of a photograph of the test model of the company Northrop Grumman. The frame shows the aircraft during high-speed taxiing tests on an Airport in California, as the first flight is expected in very short time.

The prototype with registration number N400NT resembles somewhat Northrop T-38 Talon, which is to replace. The model of Northrop Grumman was kept in a relative secret until now, it was presented only once, but then photographers were not allowed to the event.

Northrop Grumman originally planned to participate in the competition for new training aircraft jointly with BAE Systems, offering a modernized version of the Hawk – Hawk AJT (Advanced Jet Trainer). Later this option was replaced with an entirely new project.

In the competition, which envisages the purchase of 450 aircraft T-X from the winner, participate also Boeing-Saab, Lockheed Martin-Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Raytheon-Leonardo.

Boeing/Saab will also offer a brand new project, Lockheed Martin released a modification of KAI T-50 (designated as T-50A for the US Air Force) and Raytheon/Leonardo participates with M-346 (in the competition T-X will have a designation T-100). Until now only Boeing/Saab have not submitted details of their project.

US Air Force will announce the winner in the competition for new training aircraft 12 months after the publication of the etc. “Request for Proposals” which is expected to be announced by the end of 2016.