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. The swept wing T-1A is a military version of the Beechjet 400A which first entered service in the early 1990s. It also aided navigator training across the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps.
The T-1A has cockpit seating for an instructor and two students and is powered by twin turbofan engines capable of 538 mph. It differs from its commercial counterpart with increased bird strike protection and a single-point refueling system. After more than 30 years in service, the T-1A is being replaced by Boeing's T-7A Red Hawk.
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Jim Goodrich
Jim Goodrich is a pilot, aviation expert and founder of Tsunami Air.
What is the Beechcraft T-1A Jayhawk?
The Beechcraft T-1A Jayhawk is a medium-range, twin-engine jet trainer, a military version of the Beechjet 400A developed by Raytheon. The aircraft was used for training student pilots selected to fly airlift or tanker aircraft, and it was used as a trainer for KC-135, Boeing's C-17, and the Lockheed C-5. The Beechcraft T-1A Jayhawk first entered service in the early 1990s. It is used in the advanced phase of specialized undergraduate pilot training for students selected to fly airlift or tanker aircraft. It has trained thousands of mobility pilots and weapon systems operators. The aircraft is a military adaptation with an additional fuselage fuel tank and increased bird strike resistance.
What are the specificatios of the Beechcraft T-1A Jayhawk?
The specifications of the Beechcraft T-1A Jayhawk are given in the table below.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2 |
| Engine type | JT15D-5B |
| Thrust | 2,900 lb |
| Length | 48 ft |
| Height | 13 ft |
| Wingspan | 43 ft |
| Speed | 538 mph |
| Ceiling | 41,000 ft |
| Weight | 16,100 lb |
| Range | 2,900 nm |
| Crew | 3 |
| Fuel | 530 gal |
| Avionics | Collins |
| Builder | Raytheon |
| Role | trainer |
The Beechcraft T-1A Jayhawk is an advanced trainer for airlift and tanker pilots, built by Raytheon Corp. It has two Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5B turbofan engines, each rated at 2,900 pounds of thrust (12.9 kilonewtons). The aircraft is 48 feet 5 inches (14.76 meters) long, with a wingspan of 43 feet 6 inches (13.26 meters), and a height of 13 feet 11 inches (4.24 meters). Wing area is 241.4 sq ft (22.43 sq m). Empty weight is 10,450 pounds (4,740 kilograms), and maximum takeoff weight is 16,100 pounds (7,303 kilograms).
Maximum speed is 538 miles per hour (Mach .73), which is about 470 knots, and cruising speed is 392 knots. Stall speed is 93 knots. Rate of climb is about 3,700 feet per minute (1,128 meters per minute). Service ceiling is 41,000 feet (12,497 meters). Range is more than 2,100 nautical miles, but due to an extra fuselage fuel tank, total range is 2,900 nautical miles. Fuel capacity is about 530 gallons. The structure is reinforced for bird strikes and multiple landings. The T-1A has a Collins military avionics suite with EFIS, ADF, VOR, DME, TACAN, and GPS, as well as GPWS, HSI, and ADI for flight safety. Crew is 3: an instructor and two students. Survival equipment like a life raft, anti-exposure suits, and life vests is available.
What is the performance Beechcraft T-1A Jayhawk?
The performance of the Beechcraft T-1A Jayhawk is given in the table below.
| Aspect | Value |
|---|---|
| Speed | 538 mph |
| Range | 2,900 nm |
| Ceiling | 41,000 ft |
| Thrust | 2,900 lb |
| Crew | 3 |
| Seats | 4 |
| Weight | 8 tons |
| Fuel | 2.6 tons |
| Wingspan | 43 ft |
| Height | 13 ft |
| Runway | 6,000 ft |
| Endurance | 4 hours |
| Power | 0.358 ratio |
| Motor | JT15D5B |
The T-1A Jayhawk has a top speed of 866 kilometers per hour (Mach .73) and a ceiling of 12,497 meters (41,000 feet). It is powered by twin turbofan engines Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5B, each producing 2,900 pounds (12.9 kN) of thrust. Range is more than 2,100 nautical miles and with extra fuel tank, total range goes up to 2,900 NM. Normal highway speed is 451 miles each hour. T1A needs 1,219 to 1,829 meters to get off the ground. Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 16,000 pounds (about 8 tons). T1A holds 2.6 tons (2.36 metric tons) of fuel. Fuel tank size is approximately 3,300 liters (871.77 gallons).
What is the price for the Beechcraft T-1A Jayhawk?
The Beechcraft T-1A Jayhawk has no publicly disclosed market price. The T1A’s initial price was $4.1 million. However, sales are via government contracts, deals between countries, and secret offer contests, so the final price is not publicly available.
