Final EMD part of Boeing-Saab T-7A trainer aircraft delivered

SAN FRANCISCO, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Boeing announced on Thursday that the final aft, or rear section, of the T-7A Red Hawk trainer aircraft for the U.S. Air Force has arrived at Boeing from teammate Saab of Sweden, signaling the final Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) part delivery.

In the future, Saab will produce the rear sections at their manufacturing facility in West Lafayette, Indiana. The new facility will allow for shorter shipping times and increased collaboration between Boeing and Saab, the announcement said.

"Boeing and Saab quality and production teams will be closer, accelerating responsiveness to meet engineering and hardware needs," said Paul Niewald, vice president of Boeing T-7 programs.

"Developed with an engineering approach based on digital models, the T-7A represents a revolutionary approach to developing aircraft," said Jonas Hjelm, head of Saab's Business Aeronautics.

The jet was designed using advanced digital modeling and design techniques and was developed from concept to first flight in 36 months, according to Boeing.