Multi-Mission T-X?

The Air Force may want to add another mission for the T-X trainer that Air Education and Training Command wants to replace the T-38, said Lt. Gen. Michael Moeller, who heads the strategic plans and programs office (A8) on the Air Staff. Speaking with reporters on March 12 after an AFA-sponsored speech in Arlington, Va., Moeller wondered out loud if the T-X should “have multiple capabilities, to include light attack.” Such an aircraft might be extremely useful in helping to “build partnership capacity” with other countries, thus supporting the Air Force with its forward-presence requirements, he said. “It sure would make sense from an A8 perspective,” he said. He pointed out that no program can be justified any more if it is “single mission,” and officials should consider this fact when “we’re buying new capabilities.”