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U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Piazza, 99th Flying Training Squadron, T-7A test weapon systems officer, pilots the T-7A Red Hawk ground-based training system in a full-scale simulation at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, April 2, 2026. Piazza tested the GBTS, which features six degrees of freedom and a user interface identical to the aircraft. The system was used to evaluate performance, realism and training effectiveness during functional mission testing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Zelideth Rodriguez)

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U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Piazza, 99th Flying Training Squadron, T-7A test weapon systems officer, operates the T-7A Red Hawk ground-based training system to evaluate its performance at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, April 2, 2026. The 99th FTS currently operates two T-7A aircraft to conduct initial operational test and evaluation of the jets and their GBTS, qualifying aircrew as future instructors and managing all T-7A operations and training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Zelideth Rodriguez)

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During a simulated training scenario, U.S. Air Force’s new T-7A Red Hawk advanced pilot training system demonstrates its night vision capabilities at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, April 2, 2026. The ground-based simulator provides a realistic environment with high-resolution visuals and integrated avionics, enabling pilots to train in complex, mission-relevant conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Zelideth Rodriguez)

T-7A Red Hawk advanced pilot training system undergoes rigorous evaluation

Published April 21, 2026
By Zelideth Rodriguez
502d Air Base Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas --

The U.S. Air Force’s new T-7A Red Hawk advanced pilot training system undergoes rigorous evaluation during a simulated scenario, showcasing its six degrees of freedom and aircraft-identical user interface at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, April 2, 2026.

The ground-based simulator provides a realistic environment with high-resolution visuals and integrated avionics, enabling pilots to train in complex, mission-relevant conditions.

The 99th Flying Training Squadron at JBSA-Randolph currently operates two T-7A aircraft to conduct initial operational test and evaluation of the jets and their ground-based training system, qualifying aircrew as future instructors and managing all T-7A operations and training.