How would you evaluate performance characteristics of military trainers?

[george_g]

This question has created some debate among my colleagues. I'm hoping you can help me out

Which variables (e.g. top speed, climb rate etc) are the most important performance characteristics to consider when selecting a trainer for advanced/lead-in training?

Thanks,

George G

 

[Magoo]

This question has created some debate among my colleagues. I'm hoping you can help me out

Which variables (e.g. top speed, climb rate etc) are the most important performance characteristics to consider when selecting a trainer for advanced/lead-in training?

Hi George

Depends on the end-user types pilots will progress to. If your main fighter has a high roll rate (e.g. F-16, F-5, MiG-21), you may want something with similar handling characteristics. Same with high or low wing loadings etc.

Also, you may need to consider how much your trainer's cockpit can be customised to reflect that of your fighter, and also whether your trainer needs to be used in other applications such as fleet support, point defence, light ground attack, fast FAC etc.

Then there's supportability, availability, unit cost, program cost, industry participation opportunities etc to consider.

Cheers

Magoo

 

[vivtho]

This question has created some debate among my colleagues. I'm hoping you can help me out

Which variables (e.g. top speed, climb rate etc) are the most important performance characteristics to consider when selecting a trainer for advanced/lead-in training?

Thanks,

George G

While outright power does play a role in the selection of a trainer, operating cost and airframe life are two very important criteria used when selecting one. Trainers are among the most highly used aircraft in any air force, which is why minimizing the operating cost is a priority.

Many air forces prefer to use a lower-performance (but cheaper to run) basic trainer and use the trainer variants of the fighters to provide the advanced/lead-in training.

 

[george_g]

Thanks for the reply