T45 Goshawk

The naval jet trainer built for carrier-based instruction.

Overview

Boeing United States ICAO: T45 1988–2009 $22 million

The T-45 Goshawk is a carrier-capable jet trainer developed for the United States Navy. Based on the British Hawk design, it was modified for catapult launches and arrested landings. The aircraft prepares naval aviators for carrier operations.

Live Fleet Activity (T45)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × Rolls Royce Turbomeca F405-RR-401
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
5,845 lbf · 26 kN
Avionics
BAE/Marconi AN/ASN-180, Rockwell Collins AN/ARN-144, Honeywell AN/APN-194 Radar altimeter
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
39 ft 4 in  ·  11.99 m
Tail height
13 ft 5 in  ·  4.10 m
Fuselage diameter
2 ft 11 in  ·  0.90 m
Wing span
30 ft 10 in  ·  9.39 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
13,500 lb  ·  6,100 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
1,100 lb  ·  500 kg
Fuel capacity
430 gal · 1,600 L · 1,300 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
560 kt  ·  644 mph  ·  1,037 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
125 kt  ·  144 mph  ·  232 km/h
Range
1,400 nm  ·  1,610 mi  ·  2,590 km
Fuel burn
1.62 nm/gal  ·  0.79 km/L
Ceiling
42,500 ft  ·  13,000 m
Rate of climb
8,000 ft/min  ·  41 m/s
Takeoff distance
3,600 ft  ·  1,100 m
Landing distance
3,300 ft  ·  1,000 m
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A T-45 Goshawk training aircraft of Fixed Wing Training Squadron 22

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Operational Context

T-45 Goshawk — carrier-capable jet trainer

The T-45 program began in the 1980s to replace older naval trainers. The aircraft first flew in 1988 and entered service in the early 1990s. Modifications from the Hawk design included strengthened landing gear, an arresting hook, and reinforced structure for carrier operations.

Powered by a Rolls-Royce Adour turbofan producing approximately 6,500 pounds of thrust (29 kN), the T-45 cruises at around 450 knots (830 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight is roughly 13,500 pounds (6,120 kg). The tandem cockpit supports advanced training with modern avionics.

The Goshawk is used for intermediate and advanced naval flight training. Its carrier compatibility allows students to gain experience in deck operations before transitioning to front-line aircraft. The type remains central to U.S. Navy pilot training.

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