The Freedom Trainer is part of the Freedom Family of Training Systems (FoTS) and is described as the only aircraft capable of Carrier touch-and-go and Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) to Touchdown with a 16,000-hour airframe life. SNC said the system embodies the philosophy of “Train the Way you Fight – Zero Compromise,” allowing naval aviators to gain essential carrier training early without premature wear on higher-end aircraft.
According to SNC, the Freedom Trainer offers 40 percent lower engine-related costs than current Navy trainers and half the cost of land-centric options. Its design allows for longer sortie durations while eliminating the need for unplanned Service Life Extension Programs, reducing overall lifecycle costs and ensuring more efficient training operations.
The aircraft also features a U.S. Navy-owned digital design and modular open system architecture, which gives NAVAIR full control of upgrades for the life of the program and allows seamless third-party integration. SNC emphasized that this ensures the platform’s adaptability for future training needs.
“SNC has worked to support the Navy for more than 40 years and the Freedom Trainer program represents the culmination of our decades of experience and unwavering commitment to safety and superiority for the U.S. Navy,” said Jon Piatt, executive vice president of SNC. “We are proud to leverage our deep expertise and innovative spirit to deliver a training solution that not only meets the Navy’s current needs but also anticipates future demands. This is a testament to our dedication to providing cutting-edge technology and superior performance for our nation’s sons and daughters who will train as naval aviators for generations.”
SNC stated that the Freedom Trainer Family of Systems is supported by a team drawn from across military aviation and training disciplines to meet the Navy’s requirements on schedule. As a privately held mid-tier defense company, SNC said it is working with partners to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base, positioning the Freedom Team as a disruptive force in the competition.
