The T-45C “Goshawk” is the main carrier-borne trainer of the US Navy. Although it has only one turbojet engine, it has served on the aircraft carrier for decades. The conservative view that the carrier must be dual-engined. But now, the T-45C is also “very old”.
The U.S. Navy is set to pick between options from at least three manufacturers as it seeks to replace its T-45 Goshawk with a new advanced jet trainer, and India offer Naval Tejas/ Tejas trainer to US Navy.
The current finalists include the T50 “Golden Eagle” developed by Lockheed Martin and KAI T-50A of South Korea, the T-7A “Red Eagle” developed by Boeing and Saab of Sweden, and the M-346 “Master by the Italian Leonardo Group. “. According to reports, India also proposed to develop a supersonic all-around trainer based on the two-seater version of the naval LCA to replace the U.S. T-38 “Claw” and T45C “Goshawk”, and Hindustan Airlines early This work has already started in 2018, and in December last year, the economic Times in the United Kingdom also confirmed this news.
Many people may laugh or say it’s a joke, but if the LCA really participates in the bidding for the new generation of US carrier-based trainers, it does have some inherent advantages. First of all, the engine it uses is General ElectricF404-GE-IN20, which is the most powerful variant. It is said that it will soon be replaced with the F414 engine of the US military’s active carrier aircraft F/A-18E/F, ensuring the unification of logistics, And many electronic devices are also originated from the United States or Israel, and the US Navy pilots are no strangers to using them.
Secondly, the LCA has successfully achieved take-off and landing on the “Vikramatia” aircraft carrier on January 11, 2020. It is already a carrier-based aircraft in the true sense. It only needs to be changed from a skid-jump type to a catapult type. There is no need to go to great lengths to get on the ship. The new generation of carrier-based trainers of the US military have not made hard requirements for boarding, and are almost only used for shore-based take-off and landing training, and the LCA that can board the ship can bring them a value-for-money experience.
Third, although the LCA is not big, it is a real fighter. Compared with the T50, T-7A, and M346 trainers, the LCA is not famous, but it is better than these fighters in every aspect. From the light fighter to the trainer, the essence is concentrated. It can It is also easier to better perform the teaching tasks of advanced subjects, and it is easier to connect with the fighter. It is easier to maintaince also cheaper compare to other aircraft, only $40 million.
The fourth and most important point is that in the 20 years since the LCA was launched, it has never crashed. In particular, Hindustan Airlines, which is famous for its crashes, is even more precious and sludge is not contaminated. Isn’t the safety performance the most important thing about carrier-based trainers? LCA can satisfy all pilots’ desire to return home safely.
Besides, you will never be afraid of crashing when you fly LCA. Tejas aircraft is flying for the last 20 years and has never crashed which makes Tejas the safest fighter aircraft in the world. The MK16LG ejection seat equipped by LCA is even more advanced. It can not only protect the life of the trainees at the critical moment, but even the Russian Su-35S pilots said that its ejection seat is very comfortable after the LCA test drive. (Maybe there is really nothing else to boast about)
In short, the LCA is the “excellent choice” for the next generation US military’s carrier-based trainer. In addition, Tejas naval variant is a two seater aircraft, compared to two at a time other trainers can only train one student pilot, which really greatly improves the efficiency.