Field Aerospace, Nextant Detail $155.7M USAF Contract

Field Aerospace, along with partners Nextant Aerospace, Rockwell Collins, and FlightSafety International, have received a $155.7 million contract to upgrade 178 U.S. Air Force T-1A trainers (Beechjet 400As) and 30 training devices. The Air Force in February initially announced that it had selected the Field Aerospace team from a slate of eight bidders for the work.

The avionics modification program includes development, certification, equipment, installation, and training. The upgrade will enable the T-1A to comply with ADS-B Out requirements. Installation work will take place at Field’s facility in Oklahoma City and is expected to be fully completed in 2025.

“The T-1A contract is a significant win for Field Aerospace and our subcontractors,” said John Taylor, v-p and general manager of Field Aerospace’s Oklahoma City location. “Winning this award is a testament to our capability to lead and execute a large aircraft modification program.”

Rockwell Collins is supplying Pro Line 21 integrated avionics for the upgrade program, software support for A-kit development, and B-kits (LRUs), as well as assistance with simulator updates and certification. 

Nextant is supporting the design integration and providing the A-kits, as well as completing the FAA STC. FlightSafety, meanwhile, is updating simulators and training devices at four Air Forces bases and a Naval station.