U.S. Navy kicks off T-45 replacement competition

The U.S. Navy published its request for proposals for the Undergraduate Jet Training System, slated to replace the aging T-45 Goshawk.

Why it matters: This is years in the making.

Plus, the winner will long influence how Navy and Marine Corps aviators are educated.

State of play: Several competitors have emerged, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Sierra Nevada Corporation.

Zoom in: Responses are due in June. A contract is expected early next year, Aviation Week reported.

Flashback: The service previously said the Goshawk fleet was facing "significant aircraft, engine and component obsolescence issues."

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