The movie Sully, released in 2016, is based on the true story of Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and his heroic actions in 2009 when he was forced to land an Airbus A320 in the Hudson River due to a malfunctioning military jet. The movie focuses on the events surrounding this incident and the subsequent investigation. The military jet in question is a T-45 Goshawk, a two-seat, single-engine jet trainer operated by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
History of the T-45 Goshawk
The T-45 Goshawk was originally designed by the British Aerospace Company in the early 1980s and was developed as a replacement for the U.S. Navy’s aging T-2 Buckeye trainer. The aircraft first flew in 1988 and entered service in 1991. Over the years, the aircraft has been upgraded with new avionics, engines, and flight control systems. Currently, the Navy operates around 200 T-45s, while the Marine Corps operates an additional 60 aircraft.
Design and Capabilities of the T-45 Goshawk
The T-45 Goshawk is a subsonic, delta-wing aircraft powered by a single Rolls-Royce F405 turbofan engine. It has a maximum speed of Mach 0.8 (636 mph) and a ceiling of 40,000 feet. The aircraft is equipped with a full glass cockpit, GPS navigation, and modern weapon systems such as air-to-air missiles and bombs. The aircraft can also be configured for air combat training, with the addition of a nose-mounted gun.
Involvement in the Movie Sully
The T-45 Goshawk plays a major role in the movie Sully. In the movie, a malfunctioning military jet flies into the airspace of the Airbus A320, forcing Sully to make an emergency landing in the Hudson River in order to avoid a mid-air collision. The military jet is identified as a T-45 Goshawk, and the investigation into the incident reveals that the cause of the malfunction was an improperly installed fuel line.
Significance of the T-45 Goshawk in the Movie Sully
The T-45 Goshawk is an important part of the story in Sully, as it serves as a reminder of the fragility of modern technology and how quickly things can go wrong in the air. The movie also serves to highlight the importance of proper maintenance and installation of aircraft components, as well as the importance of experienced and well-trained pilots in emergency situations.
The Legacy of the T-45 Goshawk
The T-45 Goshawk is a remarkable aircraft that has served the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps for more than three decades. The aircraft has been used in various military operations, from the first Gulf War to the present day. The aircraft’s legacy is further solidified by its appearance in the movie Sully, which serves as a reminder of its importance in the U.S. military.
Conclusion
The T-45 Goshawk is a versatile and reliable aircraft that has been in service with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps for more than 30 years. Its role in the movie Sully serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and installation of aircraft components, as well as the importance of experienced and well-trained pilots in emergency situations. The aircraft’s legacy is sure to endure for many years to come.
