The T-45 Goshawk is an advanced training aircraft built by McDonnell Douglas for the US Navy as a trainer for aircraft carrier landing and takeoff training to replace it's aging T-2 Buckeye and TA-4 Skyhawk trainers. The T-45 Goshawk is based on the British Aerospace Hawk trainer, the main changes are in airframe and undercarriage strength and the addition of an arrester-hook. Design began in the late 1970's by McDonnell Douglas and British Aerospace with initial production undertaken by McDonnell Douglas, later aircraft being built by Boeing following their acquisition of McDonnell Douglas. The prototype T-45 Goshawk first flew in 1988 and became operational with the US Navy in 1991. Two variants of the T-45 Goshawk exist, the T-45A Goshawk and the T-45C Goshawk, this is a result of updated avionics needed to keep pace with operational aircraft, the current variant, the T-45C, utilises an all digital "glass cockpit" instrument display, it is intended to upgrade the older aircraft to this specification. McDonnell Douglas T-45A Goshawk Specifications: Crew: Pilot and Instructor Length: 39 ft 4 in (11.99 m) Wingspan: 30 ft 10 in (9.39 m) Height: 13 ft 5 in (4.08 m) Wing area: 190.1 ft² (17.7 m²) Empty weight: 10,403 lb (4,460 kg) Maximum takeoff weight: 14,081 lb (6,387 kg) Engine: Single 5,527 lbf (26 kN) Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour F405-RR-401 turbofan Maximum speed: 645 mph (560 kt, 1,038 km/h) Range: 805 mi ( 700 nmi, 1288 km) Service ceiling 42,500 ft (12,950 m)
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