US Navy intends to select T-45C Goshawk replacement by January 2027

A T-45C Goshawk lands on the USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) in 2024. The aircraft that replaces the T-45C will not need to land on aircraft carriers, or even land a carrier-style approach. (US Navy)

The US Navy (USN) hopes to release a request for proposals (RFP) to replace the Boeing/BAE Systems T-45C Goshawk by December 2025, with a contract award planned for January 2027, according to a request for information (RFI) released on 31 March.

The new RFI replaces one released in September 2023. It includes a section detailing live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) training, and strikes a requirement to operate on aircraft carriers.

LVC training ranges from networking simulators such that crew members at separate locations can ‘fly' together, to adding computer-simulated enemy aircraft into actual flights. LVC training allows crew members to practice dangerous or aircraft-stressing manoeuvres in a simulator rather than a real aircraft. It can also help crew practice against threats that are difficult to simulate, such as large-scale air battles or threats from foreign air-defence systems. Training programmes worldwide incorporate LVC elements.

Aircraft will also not be required to operate from aircraft carriers, according to the RFI. Aircraft carrier operations currently mark a significant milestone in navy pilot training.

“Due to advancements in operational platform landing modes and in ground-based simulation, the UJTS [Undergraduate Jet Training System] air vehicle will only be required to conduct Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) to wave off,” the RFI stated.