US Air Force unveils 4 Kestrel aircraft for academy training
The aircraft arrived with a flying demonstration on 12 November 2026, and are intended to give cadets earlier flight experience and support a new aerobatic team.
In this article
The US Air Force unveiled 4 T-19A Kestrel aircraft at its academy on 12 November 2026, as they arrived with a flying demonstration. Officials say the aircraft will give cadets flight experience earlier in their training and form the basis of a new aerobatic team.
Air Force officials describe the Kestrel as the academy’s first powered aerobatic aircraft, designed for high-G maneuvers of the kind seen in flying displays. High-G maneuvers place forces on pilots greater than those experienced under normal gravity. The Air Force said the aircraft had completed certification flights and were fully cleared for academy use; Davis Airfield will be the hub for their operations.
Aircraft and costs
The aircraft are two-seat, single-engine GB1 Gamebirds built by Game Aerospace Composites and designated T-19A by the Air Force. An Air Force spokesperson told Breaking Defense that corporate and civilian donations funded the aircraft. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach said the program went from an idea to aircraft built and delivered in 10 months.
The spokesperson valued the gift at $3 million and said the Air Force invested approximately $400,000 in initial spares, support equipment and flight equipment for pilots and future cadets. The service also plans to budget approximately $1 million a year to sustain the aircraft.
Training and team plans
Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Paul Moga said the aircraft would enable training that had not previously been possible and help develop cadets’ aviation skills, confidence, discipline and leadership. He selected 6 active-duty pilots from the academy’s 306th Flying Training Group to develop the team’s curriculum. The pilots are also intended to perform at recruiting events and air shows across the United States.
The program plans annual T-19 mentorship for selected cadets. Officials hope eventually to build a nationally competitive aerobatic and demonstration program, with greater cadet involvement in training, demonstrations and operations.
Share
Follow AveNews
Earlier in Politics
RightsSri Lanka’s speaker cites constitutional flaws in terrorism bill
Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne raised the inconsistencies during a November 12 parliamentary debate. The Supreme Court says lawmakers can pass the bill by a simple majority if they make specified amendments.
3 min
GovernmentUN General Assembly reconfirms Iran’s committee seat
Iran received 144 supporting ballots on 11 November, keeping its place on the Committee for Programme and Coordination, which reviews UN programs and recommends priorities.
2 min
ConflictFood aid cuts leave 900,000 in Sudan without support, UN food agency says
The World Food Programme says its coverage has fallen from more than four million people in August to just over three million, as funding shortfalls force it to cut assistance.
2 min
