Air Force unveils T-19A, a new aerobatic plane to train future pilots

WASHINGTON — The US Air Force today unveiled a new aerobatic aircraft that officials say will help train future generations of pilots.

Dubbed the T-19A Kestrel, the aircraft arrived at the Air Force Academy today with a flying demonstration. Officials say the Kestrel is the academy’s first powered aerobatic platform — an aircraft designed to perform high-G maneuvers typically associated with flying displays. The platform will give cadets aviation experience earlier in their training and form the foundation of a new aerobatic flying team.

Calling the Kestrel program “historic,” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach said in a press release that officials went “from an idea to four aircraft built and delivered” in just 10 months. The aircraft recently finished certification flights, according to the release.

“This aircraft will provide an opportunity to train our cadets in ways that were previously not possible,” Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Paul Moga said in the release. “We will strengthen their aviation skills and develop the confidence, discipline and leadership required of future Air Force officers.”

In response to questions from Breaking Defense, an Air Force spokesperson said the service accepted four two-seat, single-engine GB1 Gamebird aircraft built by Game Aerospace Composites, which were funded through corporate and civilian donations. The Air Force officially designated the aircraft as the T-19A.

“The gift is worth $3 million and the Air Force invested approximately $400,000 to supplement the gift of initial spares, and the procurement of necessary support equipment and aircrew flight equipment for the initial cadre and future cadets,” the spokesperson said. The service will also budget approximately $1 million annually to sustain the aircraft.  

The Kestrel’s arrival comes as the Air Force grapples with a critical pilot shortage. Despite hitting a key recruitment benchmark in September, officials say a shortfall of 2,000 aviators will likely take years to resolve. 

The T-19 is far from the Air Force’s only investment in boosting its pilot training pipeline. The service is also working to field its newest training jet, the T-7 Red Hawk, which is years behind schedule. Air Force officials say the Red Hawk will better prepare aviators for advanced aircraft compared to the aging T-38 Talon it’s replacing.

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According to the release, Moga picked six active-duty pilots from the Academy’s 306th Flying Training Group to form the aerobatic team’s curriculum. The pilots will also perform at recruiting events and air shows across the United States. Officials eventually hope to establish a nationally competitive aerobatic and demonstration flying program with the Kestrel.

Additionally, the Kestrel program will establish “a cadet leadership pipeline,” through which select students will receive annual mentorship on the T-19. Over the long term, officials aim to deliver “a premier capability that evolves to include greater cadet involvement in training, demonstrations and program operations,” the release says.

Following its arrival, the aircraft has been “fully cleared” for use at the Academy, the release says. The Academy’s Davis Airfield will serve as the hub of all Kestrel operations.