Specialized Undergraduate Flight Training

T-6 Operational System Development program provides follow-on development activities to Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) including but not limited to studies and development efforts, instructional courseware, and logistics support to include Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS) and development activities related to DMS. Included in this effort is the Avionics Replacement Program (ARP). Current T-6A avionics are comprised of analog and 1st generation digital components which are increasingly impacted by Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) resulting in reduced Aircraft Availability (AA) and increased life-cycle sustainment costs. No less than 23 components are impacted by DMSMS and will be replaced by ARP to improve reliability, availability, and reduce system sustainment costs. The ARP addresses DMSMS issues, current T-6A FAA compliance issues, and fulfills outstanding safety recommendations. The solution will be incorporated into 405 AETC T-6A aircraft and 86 Ground Based Trainers. Funding provides for this effort directly aids Air Education Training Command (AETC) flying training enterprise and increases overall pilot production to reduce USAF pilot shortage. This program element included all necessary expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, and 0605898F.

This effort supports Air Education and Training Command's (AETC) implementation of Undergraduate Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Training (URT). URT produces RPA pilots and Sensor Operators from accession sources to man RPA squadrons. The URT effort is heavily dependent on multiple training systems to prepare undergraduate students for entry in RPA Formal Training Units (FTU). 19AF/CC approved a significant system upgrade along with a change in software. This change allowed for a more flexible and adaptable training system that can carry URT into the future. Funding will develop organic software capabilities, update obsolete equipment, and develop new training tools to ensure more capable set of training systems focused on reducing costs while ensuring RPA training is ready to support the National Defense Strategy from today into tomorrow. Funds may also be used to address emerging and short-notice Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortage (DMSMS) issues. DMSMS efforts include removal of end-of-life software/hardware within simulators systems and move to a modular, common open system architecture that is sustainable and cyber-resilient. Implementation requirements and standards are defined under the Simulator Common Architecture Requirements and Standards (SCARS) initiative. This program element included all necessary expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, and 0605898F.

T-38 A/B/C avionics operational system development's primary focus is for modifications required to overcome Diminishing Manufacturing Sources & Material Shortages (DMSMS), aging of critical components, emerging safety concerns and cybersecurity risks. Developmental efforts include software upgrades to the T-38C Operational Flight Program (OFP) addressing interface improvements, cybersecurity enhancements, airspace mandates, or other user requirements to include block upgrades. OFP block upgrades also incorporate software improvements for the aircraft and aircrew training devices (ATDs) to address flight safety issues, and to comply with new capabilities mandated by Department of Defense, Federal Aviation Administration, or National Airspace System. The Video Data Transfer Unit (VDTU) - The current T-38C VDTU is obsolete, and the Compact Flash Cards (CFC) are obsolete and unsustainable (442 VDTU's). Development is currently in process for FY 2026. The Head-up Display (HUD) Camera is obsolete with unprocurable parts and requires replacement. One unit is required per aircraft (442 HUD cameras). Development is currently in process for FY 2026. The T-38C Canopy Open Warning (COW) is a safety modification to the aircraft and is currently in development and will provide an aural warning to the pilot(s) that the canopy is unsecure prior to and during flight. COW will be fielded with the VDTU and HUDC modification. As a follow-on to the T-38A/B Low-cost Avionics Modernization Program (LAMP), there may be a developmental requirement for a LAMP II program to replace the Attitude Gyro Control Assembly, Rate Switching Gyro, Rate Gyro Transmitter, Servo-Amplifier, and Flight Director Computer for the T-38A/T-38B. This effort may require funding as early as FY 2028 to mitigate ongoing component failures and meet operational needs.