T-1A Jayhawk

Manufacturer: Raytheon Corp.

Service: United States Air Force

Power Plant: Two Pratt and Whitney JT15D-5B turbofan engines

Maximum Speed: 538 mph (Mach .70)

Range: 2,222 nm

Armament: None

Crew: 3 (pilot, co-pilot, instructor pilot)

The T-1A Jayhawk is a medium-range, twin-engine jet trainer used in the advanced phase of specialized undergraduate pilot training for students selected to fly airlift or tanker aircraft. It is also used to support navigator training for the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and international services.

The swept-wing T-1A is a military version of the Beech 400A. It has cockpit seating for an instructor and two students and is powered by twin turbofan engines capable of an operating speed of 538 mph.  The T-1A differs from its commercial counterpart with structural enhancements that provide for increased bird strike resistance and an additional fuselage fuel tank.

The first T-1A was delivered to Reese Air Force Base, Texas, in January 1992, and student training began in 1993.

Starting in 1993, undergraduate pilots who have graduated from their primary aircraft have proceeded to specialized training tailored for their follow-on assignments. The T-1A is used in advanced training for students identified to go into airlift or tanker aircraft. Those selected for bombers and fighters receive their advanced in the T-38.

The T-1A is used at Columbus AFB, Miss., Laughlin AFB, Texas, and Vance AFB, Okla. It is also used at Randolph AFB, Texas, to train instructor pilots and at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., for combat systems officer training.