Boeing will use Triumph Group as supplier if awarded T-X contract

Boeing has selected Triumph Group Inc. as a major supplier for its U.S. Air Force T-X training jet – if the Air Force awards the contract to Boeing. Triumph’s Aerospace Structures business unit in Red Oak, Texas, would supply Boeing Defense, Space & Security with the wing, vertical tail, and horizontal tail structures. Boeing officials calculate that these aerostructures, with opportunities for additional work, could generate 950 direct and indirect jobs.

“Providing our military with the newest and most advanced training system is crucial to preparing future generations of warfighters,” said Congressman Joe Barton who represents the 6th district in Texas where Triumph Aerospace Structures is located. “I would like to thank Triumph and Boeing for their commitment to our national defense and for promoting our community and jobs right here in the 6th District.”

This announcement follows Boeing’s May 15, 2017 decision to assemble T-X at its St. Louis facility.

“This opportunity secures economic growth for the community and attracts the best and brightest talent with highly-skilled jobs locally and across the nation,” said Congressman Pete Sessions, chairman of the Rules Committee.

“Boeing T-X is a new, flexible design that meets the requirements of the U.S. Air Force,” said Karl Jeppesen, vice president of Supplier Management for Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “Triumph Group is a long-standing supplier to Boeing, teaming with us on iconic programs such as V-22 Osprey and C-17 Globemaster III. It takes partnerships like this to win and position us for a bold, bright future, and we are proud to welcome Triumph as a major supplier and member of this team.”

Triumph Group designs, engineers, manufactures, repairs, and overhauls a broad portfolio of aviation and industrial components, accessories, subassemblies, systems and aircraft structures.

“We are excited for the opportunity to support the great men and women who serve and defend our country. Along with Boeing we are ready to provide the best option for the T-X program,” said Dan Crowley, Triumph Group President and CEO.

Saab is another partner with Boeing, competing to win the tender process to supply the United States Air Force (USAF) with the T-X advanced trainer aircraft. Saab will establish manufacturing and production capability in the United States for the trainer aircraft, should the Boeing and Saab solution be selected.

Saab has started the process to evaluate and identify potential locations for T-X advanced trainer production.

“The Boeing and Saab T-X is designed and purpose built for the USAF training mission, so we believe that the entire aircraft, including our part, should also be manufactured in the U.S.,” states Håkan Buskhe, president and CEO of Saab AB. “Saab has already invested in the development of the T-X advanced trainer aircraft, and if Saab and Boeing win, Saab will carry that commitment a step forward into manufacturing and production in the U.S.”

Boeing T-X is designed for the Air Force training mission and would replace an aging fleet of T-38 aircraft. The initial acquisition of 350 aircraft and the associated ground-based training and support is valued at up to $16 billion. Initial operating capability is planned for 2024. The contract award is expected by the end of the year.