Raytheon (Chalet C9, Outdoor Exhibition 9) is pitching its T-100 proposal for the U.S. Air Force’s jet trainer replacement program as a robust training solution—with a jet attached. Having announced its partnership with Italy’s Leonardo-Finmeccanica in Febuary to offer a version of the Alenia Aermacchi M-346, Raytheon provided an update on the program Tuesday at the Farnborough Airshow.

Representing Raytheon at the briefing was Daniel Darnell, a former U.S. Air Force three-star general and F-16 Thunderbirds demonstration team commander. Darnell described the T-100 as a “block upgrade” of the M-346. “The big difference is we’re offering a fully integrated solution,” including simulators and training support, he added.

The USAF, which expects to issue a request for proposals to industry in December, seeks 350 new trainers to replace its aging fleet of Northrop T-38C Talons. At least three other teams are contending for the requirement, including Lockheed Martin, which is offering the T-50A variant of the Korea Aerospace Industries’ T-50 Golden Eagle. The partnership of Boeing and Saab and a Northrop Grumman-led team have announced they will offer clean-sheet designs.

The team of Raytheon and Leonardo-Finmeccanica includes engine manufacturer Honeywell, supplying the T-100’s twin F124 turbofans, and training system supplier CAE. The training component of the team’s offering includes an operational flight trainer, a domed weapons system trainer, an instructor mission-and-operating station, a unit training device, a part-task trainer, mission planning and debriefing and classroom materials.

The T-100 itself features an embedded tactical training system that allows for training scenarios to be entered on the ground. “This is an aircraft designed as a trainer,” Darnell said. “This is not a trainer modified as a fighter.”

Darnell, a command pilot with more than 4,500 flying hours on aircraft including the single-engine F-16 as well as the twin-engine F-15, said two engines are preferable for student pilots. “If you’re flying a single-engine airplane, you immediately have a compound problem if you lose that engine,” he related.

The updated T-50A, which accomplished its first flight in June, is a single-engine training jet. Should Lockheed Martin prevail in the competition, the company has said it would assemble T-50As at a facility in Greenville, South Carolina. Raytheon has not yet settled on a location, however, spokesman B.J. Boling said 70 percent of the T-100 will be built in the U.S., including final assembly of the aircraft.