T-X contract award delayed

The Air Force now expects to award a contract for its next-generation trainer next spring.

The service's original schedule called for a T-X contract before the end of this year, but Lt. Gen. Arnold Bunch confirmed to reporters Oct. 17 the award date has slipped to spring 2018.

Bunch did not provide a reason for the delay but said it will not impact other program milestones. The service plans to buy 350 advanced trainers to replace its aging T-38 fleet.

Three industry teams are competing: Lockheed Martin and Korean Aerospace Industries; Boeing and Saab; and Leonardo.