Tel Aviv: Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has delivered the 100th IAI-produced T-38 wing to the United States Air Force. According to the company, this milestone demonstrates IAI’s capabilities to produce aerostructures of the highest quality and its commitment to a long-term relationship with the United States Air Force.
The ceremony to mark the event was attended by Shmuel Kuzi, IAI Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Aviation Group, and Captain Nicholas Russo, Commanding Officer of the USA’s DCMA (Defense Contract Management Agency) International.
The T-38 Talon is a twinjet supersonic jet trainer, developed for the United States Air Force, which has been operational since the 1960s. The T-38 Trainer is critical to the USAF pilot training program and the IAI-produced T-38 wing sets are an important element that supports its availability. Additional tooling has, therefore, been added to IAI’s T-38 wing production facility, to allow increased production rates to meet the urgent demand for new wings.
IAI has orders for hundreds of additional wings, and will continue to meet the United States Air Force requirements for this important T-38 program.
IAI’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, Shmuel Kuzi said, “IAI is honoured and proud to provide the US Air Force with T-38 wings. This program demonstrates that IAI is a world leader for aerostructures and wing production. We look forward to further expanding the close relationship between the US Air Force and IAI for further, exciting future opportunities.”
Director of the US DCMA, Lieutenant General David Bassett, said in video message for the ceremony, “For over 60 years the T-38 has been absolutely critical to the training and readiness of the United States Air Force. Production of sustaining parts in Israel is essential to keep the aircraft flying safely for years to come. On behalf of all the professionals in the DCMA, congratulations on this important milestone delivery.”
IAI’s Aviation Group specializes in all areas of aviation: business jets, passenger- to cargo-jet conversions, aircraft upgrades, aerostructures, MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations), and more. With knowledge and accumulated experience in aviation spanning almost 70 years, together with development of new technologies, IAI is among the world’s leading aviation companies. IAI’s clients include some of the world’s leading companies, including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Gulfstream, Amazon, and DHL. IAI also manufactures wings for the F-16 and F-35 stealth fighter aircraft.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
