By Trevin Christian Casinader
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Summary
- The Raytheon T-1 Jayhawk is a military version of the Beechcraft Hawker 400A used for advanced training.
- The T-1 Jayhawk has additional features such as extended range, strengthened structure, and acoustic insulation in the cockpit.
- The aircraft has been used for training by the US Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and while it is being replaced, there are efforts to keep it in rotation.
The Raytheon T-1 Jayhawk is a specialized military version of the Beechcraft Hawker 400A. Like its civilian counterpart, it features a swept-wing, twin-engined, and has a t-tail. It shares many characteristics with the Hawker 400A because it is the same aircraft converted for military use.
The Air Force Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training program uses it for advanced training for students specializing in flying airlift and tanker aircraft.
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How is it different to the Hawker?
The Jayhawk is capable of high and low-altitude training operations and has an extra fuel tank to extend its range, bringing its total range to 2,900 NM, roughly 700 NM more than its civilian counterpart. The additional range is also due to using less powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5B turbofan engines that produce 2,900 lb (13 kN) of thrust.
Photo: Shutterstock | Michael Fitzsimmons
Its structure has also been reinforced considerably to handle the stressors of maneuvers in flight and multiple landings per flight. Another reason it was strengthened was to deal with bird strikes that would occur when flying at low altitudes.
Its comfortable cabin has been modified to make space for the braces and extra fuel tank. The cockpit features three seats: two primary pilots and a third instructor seat, which has maximum visibility and can be adjusted at multiple points inside the flight deck.
An acoustic insulation system is installed in the cockpit to reduce interference during instruction. Survival equipment such as a life raft, anti-exposure suits, and life vests are available for emergencies.
Photo: Shutterstock | Michael Fitzsimmons
The T-1 Hawker utilizes a Collins avionics suite that features military-standard EFIS. It has ADF, VOR, DME, TACAN, and GPS for navigation. It also features a GPWS, HSI, and ADI for flight safety and monitoring.
Production and usage
The T-1 Jayhawk was first introduced on January 17th, 1992. It was in production for five years, during which 193 examples were produced, 180 T-1 and T-1A variants, and 13 T-400 variants for the Japanese military.
The first Jayhawk was delivered to Reese Air Force Base in January 1992, and student training began the following year. The aircraft has been used to train nine squadrons in various bases around the US and is used by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force to train its 3rd Tactical Airlift Wing.
Specifications
Here are some of the T-1 Jayhawk’s specifications:
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 48 ft 5 in (14.76 m) |
| Height | 13 ft 11 in (4.24 m) |
| Wingspan | 43 ft 6 in (13.26 m) |
| Wing Area | 241.4 sq ft (22.43 m2) |
| Aspect Ratio | 7.5:1 |
| Weight | |
| Empty Weight | 10,450 lb (4,740 kg) |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 16,100 lb (7,303 kg) |
| Performance | |
| Maximum Speed | 468 kts (539 mph / 867 kmph / Mach 0.7) |
| Cruise Speed | 392 kts (451 mph / 726 kmph) |
| Stall Speed | 93 kts (107 mph / 172 kmph) |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft (12,000 m) |
| Range | 2,900 NM (3,300 mi / 5,400 km) |
| Thrust (per engine) | 2,900 lbf (13 kN) |
| Other | |
| Engines | Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5B turbofan |
| Avionics | Collins military avionics suite |
| Airfoil | Mitsubishi MAC510 |
| Crew | Three |
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The military highly utilized and liked the Jayhawk for its training capabilities and reasonable cost. The aircraft is still in use, and although the military is looking for its replacement, others are attempting to keep the aircraft in rotation due to budgetary constraints. The Jayhawk is 30 years old, so its days are numbered, but it has given everything it has to serve its country well, which we can be proud of.
