Boeing Rolls Out Production T-7A, First New Jet Trainer in 60 Years - Air Force Magazine

Boeing unveiled the first T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer for the Air Force at its St. Louis, Mo., facilities April 28, revealing a jet bearing the tail flash of the 99th Flying Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, which will be the first unit to operate the new airplane. The first T-7A squadron is to be operational in 2024.

The “Red Hawk” name, its red tail, and the 99th all pay recognition to the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II, some of whom were on hand for the ceremony. The canopy rail of the rollout jet was painted with the names of Red Tails commander, the late Brig. Gen. Charles McGee, and Lt. Col. George Hardy, who attended the event. Boeing showed videos honoring the Tuskegee Airmen and linking the jet to their legacy.