IAI delivers 100th wing for US Air Force T-38 jet trainers

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has marked the delivery of the 100th IAI-produced T-38 wing to the United States Air Force, in a special ceremony held at the company’s headquarters. This milestone demonstrates IAI’s capabilities to produce aerostructures of the highest quality and its commitment to a long-term relationship with the United States Air Force. The ceremony was attended by Shmuel Kuzi, IAI Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Aviation Group, and Captain Nicholas Russo, Commanding Officer of the USA’s DCMA (Defense Contract Management Agency) International. The T-38 Talon is a twinjet supersonic jet trainer, developed for the United States Air Force, which has been operational since the 1960s. The T-38 Trainer is critical to the USAF pilot training program and the IAI-produced T-38 wing sets are an important element that supports its availability. Additional tooling has, therefore, been added to IAI’s T-38 wing production facility, to allow increased production rates to meet the urgent demand for new wings. IAI has orders for hundreds of additional wings, and will continue to meet the United States Air Force requirements for this important T-38 program. IAI’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, Mr. Shmuel Kuzi, said: “IAI is honoured and proud to provide the US Air Force with T-38 wings. This program demonstrates that IAI is a world leader for aerostructures and wing production. We look forward to further expanding the close relationship between the US Air Force and IAI for further, exciting future opportunities”. Director of the US DCMA, Lieutenant General David Bassett, said in video message for the ceremony: “For over 60 years the T-38 has been absolutely critical to the training and readiness of the United States Air Force. Production of sustaining parts in Israel is essential to keep the aircraft flying safely for years to come. On behalf of all the professionals in the DCMA, congratulations on this important milestone delivery.” IAI’s Aviation Group specialises in all areas of aviation: business jets, passenger- to cargo-jet conversions, aircraft upgrades, aerostructures, MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations), and more. With knowledge and accumulated experience in aviation spanning almost 70 years, together with development of new technologies, IAI is among the world’s leading aviation companies. Our clients include some of the world’s leading companies, including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Gulfstream, Amazon, and DHL. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]