The Goshawk has existed in only two major variants beginning with the base T-45A two-seat advanced jet trainer. These were originally fielded with analog-based cockpits consistent with the time. The T-45C was later developed as an upgraded and improved version of the T-45A series. Improvements included the introduction of inertial navigation and a digital cockpit. As such, the T-45C model now represents the newest Goshawk standard to which all previous T-45A models are being upgraded to via the T-45 "RAMP" initiative ("Required Avionics Modernization Program"). The T-45C began deliveries in December of 1997.
It is of note that the designation of "T-45B" did exist. This was a proposed Goshawk development that would have produced a land-based variant of the T-45A sans the inherent carrier capabilities. The initiative began in 1994 though any fruitful development on the T-45B was eventually halted in favor of more cost effective alternatives.
Externally, the T-45 series features twin seating for student (front) and instructor (rear) in a tandem arrangement. Design of the aircraft is quite conventional by any standard and sports a forward-set cockpit with excellent visibility over the nose and to the sides. The instructor maintains a commanding view up and over the forward cockpit. The fuselage is relatively short and sports two small, oval intakes to each side, aspirating the single engine mounting buried within the middle-aft fuselage. Wings are low-mounted with sweep along the leading edge and a straight trailing edge. The fuselage spine tapers down to form the base of the single vertical tail fin which is further complemented by a pair of swept horizontal tail surfaces mounted higher than the main wing assemblies. The engine exhausts through a ring at the extreme aft of the fuselage. The undercarriage is fully retractable and is of a tricycle arrangement. The nose leg retracts upwards under the cockpit floor while the main legs fold towards centerline. All landing gear legs are single-wheeled. An arrestor hook for snatching deck cables is fitted to the rear underside under the empennage base.
The aircraft is powered by a British/French Rolls-Royce Turbomeca F405-RR-401 turbofan engine (also known as the "Adour") delivering up to 5,527 lbs of thrust. Maximum speed is listed at 645 miles per hour with a range out to 805 miles. Service ceiling is approximately 42,500 feet with a rate-of-climb nearing 8,000 feet per minute.
As a dedicated trainer aircraft, the Goshawk does not carry any official USN inventory armament but can be fitted with ordnance loads in the form of practice bombs or rocket pods as well as external fuel stores for increased ranges. Beyond this capability, cargo pods may also be carried as required.
Incidentally, the term "Goshawk" is related to a bird of prey species.
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