From Red Tails to Red Hawks: A Legacy Takes Flight
The T-7A Red Hawk, a next-generation advanced pilot training system born out of a partnership between Saab and Boeing, honors the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II.
Before there was a Red Hawk, there were the Red Tails.
In 1941, the 99th Fighter Squadron, and later the 332nd Fighter Group and 477th Bombardment Group, became the first units of Black pilots in what was then known as the United States Army Air Corps. Trained in Tuskegee, Alabama, the 992 aviators known as the Tuskegee Airmen would go on to become one of the most decorated pilot groups during World War II. Also called “Red Tails” for their planes’ distinctive red-painted tails, these airmen flew 1,578 combat missions and more than 15,000 sorties, destroying over 260 enemy aircraft and earning 96 Distinguished Flying Crosses.
The Tuskegee Airmen helped pave the way for the desegregation of the U.S. military. Today, the U.S. continues to honor their legacy. The T-7A Red Hawk, named as a tribute to those exemplary warfighters, is training the next generation of American pilots.
“The name Red Hawk honors the legacy of Tuskegee Airmen and pays homage to their signature red-tailed aircraft from World War II. The name is also a tribute to the Curtiss P-40 Warhawkâ, an American fighter aircraft that first flew in 1938 and was flown by the 99th Fighter Squadron, the U.S. Army Air Corps’ first African American fighter squadron,” said former Secretary of the U.S. Air Force Matthew Donovan.
"All of my fellow Tuskegee flyers would be very proud to see these red tails on this beautiful jet," said the late Lt. Col George Hardy. "It's wonderful that we are being honored in this way."
The 332nd Fighter Group's escort record was among the best in World War II. The unit lost only 27 bombers to enemy fighters on escort missions—significantly less than other fighter escort groups. Because of their extraordinary efforts, more warfighters were able to execute critical missions and return home safely.
Built in Indiana for America's future pilots
Saab is proud to play a role in bringing the T-7A Red Hawk to life. At its state-of-the-art facility in West Lafayette, Indiana, Saab manufactures the T-7A's aft fuselage complete with hydraulic, fuel and secondary power systems. These finished sections travel to Boeing's final assembly line in St. Louis, where they join with the forward fuselage, wings, fins and tail.
“Building the T-7A aft section is more than an engineering milestone for Saab, it’s a responsibility we take to heart. This aircraft carries the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, whose courage and excellence helped change the course of aviation history. We’re honored to contribute our expertise to a program that reflects both advanced capability and enduring values,” said Robert Ulibarri, Vice President and General Manager Aerospace Systems, Saab, Inc.
Opened in 2021, the West Lafayette facility represents Saab's commitment to strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base through domestic production and American manufacturing jobs.
Saab is honored to partner with Boeing and the U.S. Air Force to deliver this cutting-edge aircraft that trains the next generation of pilots, delivering on Saab’s commitment to keep people and society safe.