T-1A Jayhawk Mission 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. It is also used to support navigator training for the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and international services. Features The swept-wing T-1A is a military version of the Beech 400A. It has cockpit seating for an instructor and two students and is powered by twin turbofan engines capable of an operating speed of 538 mph. The T-1A differs from its commercial counterpart with structural enhancements that provide for increased bird strike resistance and an additional fuselage fuel tank. Background The first T-1A was delivered to Reese Air Force Base, Texas, in January 1992, and student training began in 1993. Starting in 1993, undergraduate pilots who have graduated from their primary aircraft have proceeded to specialized training tailored for their follow-on assignments. The T-1A is used in advanced training for students identified to go into airlift or tanker aircraft. Those selected for bombers and fighters receive their advanced in the T-38. The T-1A is used at Columbus AFB, Miss., Laughlin AFB, Texas, and Vance AFB, Okla. It is also used at Randolph AFB, Texas, to train instructor pilots and at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., for combat systems officer training. A T-1A Jayhawk takes off for a 99th Flying Training Squadron pilot instructor training mission Oct. 17, 2017 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. The domed building in the background is the iconic headquarters for the 12th Flying Training Wing known as the Taj Mahal. The "Taj" was built in 1931 and conceals a water tower. Ripples in the photo are from heat on the runway and engine exhaust. (U.S. Air Force photo by Randy Martin) 171017-F-ET654-035.JPG Photo Details / Download Hi-Res A T-1A Jayhawk flies over downtown San Antonio. The aircraft is assigned to the 99th Flying Training Squadron at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. (U.S. Air Force photo/Lt. Col. Russell Hopkinson) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res A 99th Flying Training Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, T-1A Jayhawk flies along the Texas coast during a training mission. The 99th FTS conducts Pilot Instructor Training and continues the heritage of the Tuskegee Airmen with their distinctive red tail. (U.S. Air Force photo) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res General Characteristics Primary Function: Advanced trainer for airlift and tanker pilots Builder: Raytheon Corp. (Beech) Power Plant: Two Pratt and Whitney JT15D-5B turbofan engines Thrust: 2,900 pounds each engine Length: 48 feet, 5 inches (14.75 meters) Height: 13 feet, 11 inches (4.24 meters) Wingspan: 43 feet, 6 inches (13.25 meters) Maximum Speed: 538 miles per hour (Mach .70) Ceiling: 41,000 feet (12,500 meters) Maximum Takeoff Weight: 16,100 pounds (7,303 kilograms) Range: 2,222 nautical miles (2,900 nm flying long-range cruise) Armament: None Crew: Three (pilot, co-pilot, instructor pilot) Date Deployed: February 1992 Unit Cost: $4.1 million Inventory: Active force, 178; ANG, 0; Reserve, 0