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Military Training Aircraft ·McDonnell Douglas

T-45 Goshawk

British-American trainer jet, integral to U.S. Navy pilot training, operational since the late 20th century.

McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk military training aircraft side profile drawing
Side profile · McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk · length 12.0 m
McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk military training aircraft in flight
Max speed
1,038km/h
Range
1,300km
Produced
221units
Avg unit price
$21 million
Active worldwide
189
Technical SpecificationsVersion: T-45A
Crew2
Length12.0 m (39.3 ft)
Wingspan9.4 m (30.8 ft)
Height4.1 m (13.4 ft)
Wing area17.7 m² (190.5 sqft)
Empty weight4,460 kg (9,833 lbs)
Max. takeoff weight6,387 kg (14,081 lbs)
Powerplant1 × turbojet Rolls-Royce-Turbomeca F405-RR-401 2,507 kgf each
Ejection seatMartin-Baker Mk 14
PerformanceVersion: T-45A
Maximum speed1038 km/h (Mach 1.04)
Operational range1,300 km (808 mi)
Service ceiling12,954 m (42,500 ft)
Climb rate40.6 m/s (133.2 ft/s)
Operators — 2026
ActiveOn order
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All Operators
🇺🇸 United States

Recent Events — T-45 Goshawk

2 events →
  1. MAY 262026 United States T-45C crashed on private farmland in Noxubee County, Mississippi; both crew ejected safely and were evaluated at a local medical center. Crash
  2. SEP 302025 United States T-45 Goshawk crashed near NAS Kingsville, Texas; the pilot ejected safely. Crash

Description

The T-45 Goshawk is a training aircraft derived from the BAe Hawk, designed for training pilots in the US Navy and Marine Corps. It replaces the old T-2 Buckeye, which were retired from service in 2003 and 2004, respectively. Several modifications have been made to the Hawk to make it suitable for carrier operations, including structural reinforcement and landing gear enhancements, as well as the addition of an arresting hook and catapulting equipment.

Development

The Goshawk is an integral part of the T-45 Training System, which includes a flight simulator, computer-assisted flight sessions, and the aircraft itself. The T45TS program replaces two training aircraft and a simulator for preparing pilots for the F/A-18 Hornet, F/A-18F/E Super Hornet, AV-8B Harrier II Plus, and EA-6B Prowler.

Design

Since 1997, the T-45C Goshawk has been equipped with a reconfigured cockpit featuring digital displays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of aircraft is the T-45 Goshawk?
The McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk is a military training aircraft aircraft developed by McDonnell Douglas and entered service in 1992.
What is the maximum speed of the T-45 Goshawk?
The McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk has a maximum speed of 1,038 km/h (644 mph).
What is the range of the T-45 Goshawk?
The McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk has an operational range of 1,300 km (807 miles). This range can vary based on payload, altitude, and mission profile.
When did the T-45 Goshawk first fly?
The McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk made its first flight on April 16, 1988. It entered operational service in 1992.
How many T-45 Goshawk have been built?
Approximately 221 units of the McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk have been produced since it entered service in 1992.
Which countries operate the T-45 Goshawk?
The McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk is operated by 1 countries with approximately 189 aircraft in active service. The largest operators include United States.
How much does a T-45 Goshawk cost?
The McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk has an estimated unit cost of approximately $21.0 million. Actual prices vary based on configuration, quantity ordered, and included support packages.
What is the service ceiling of the T-45 Goshawk?
The McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk has a service ceiling of 12,954 meters (42,500 feet). This is the maximum altitude at which the aircraft can maintain controlled flight.
Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and other open sources. Illustrations generated by AI. Last updated on 1 August 2026. Suggest a change
Latest Data Updates
  1. AUG 12026 Updated Manufacturer updated
  2. JUL 232026 Updated Sources and cross-references refreshed
  3. APR 72026 Updated Sources and cross-references refreshed
  4. JAN 122026 Updated Range updated in a site-wide editorial pass