Communications defined for T-7A Red Hawk

The T-7A Red Hawk advanced pilot training system for USAF pilots, development and manufactured by Boeing and Saab, will be fitted with Rohde & Schwarz’ MR6000R software defined, multiband-capable airborne transceivers.

Revealing details of the contract award by Boeing in a May 19 release, Rohde & Schwarz stated its MR6000R weighs less than 4kg and covers the 30MHz to 400MHz range and supports NATO’s frequency algorithms HAVE QUICK II for interoperability and digital fast frequency hopping standard SATURN.

Red Hawk
The T-7A Red Hawk will be the USAF's new jet training aircraft, replacing the T38C Talon aircraft. Boeing

In September 2018, Boeing was awarded a $9.2bn contract for 351 T-7A aircraft, 46 simulators and associated ground equipment to be delivered and installed, replacing US Air Education and Training Command’s 57-year-old fleet of T-38C Talons.

Frank Dunn, CEO, Rohde & Schwarz USA (and Canada), said: “The airborne transceivers from the SOVERON radio family provide excellent RF characteristics suitable for applications in harsh military environments for all types of airborne platforms. As this is a software defined radio, we can adapt it for further training opportunities.”