Air Force gets first Red Hawk trainer, Compass Call electronic warfare jet - Breaking Defense

The Air Force has taken possession of its first T-7A Red Hawk training jet and EC-37B Compass Call electronic attack plane, according to the aircrafts’ manufacturers.

Boeing, which builds the Red Hawk, officially completed a check-out process with the government known as a weapon system’s material inspection and receiving report (DD250) on Thursday for the Air Force’s first T-7A, according to a company spokesman.

“It’s exciting. It’s like being handed the keys to the car,” Air Force program lead Col. Kirt Cassell told reporters during a media briefing at the Air & Space Forces Association’s Air, Space & Cyber conference on Tuesday. “Then, of course, I have to give the keys” to Air Force and Boeing test pilots, he added.