Advanced Jet Will Fit Variety Of Training Roles

The T-50 Golden Eagle advanced jet trainer made its international aerial debut earlier this week, showcasing its supersonic capabilities and technological advances at the Dubai International Air Show.

"A demonstration flight of the T-50 in a foreign country, especially in an international air show, is very impressive and a touching moment for all of the people who have worked so hard to make it a reality," said Hae-joo Chung, President of Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI), the prime contractor on the T-50 program. "The successful development and smooth production of the supersonic aircraft, T-50, in Korea is marked by a number of important 'firsts' for all of the individuals and organizations involved."

Lockheed Martin is the principal subcontractor on the T-50.

Noted for its maneuverability, versatility and ease of operation, the T-50 is designed to be an economical alternative to prepare pilots to fly a broad variety of advanced aircraft, from the Eurofighters to the latest Lockheed Martin advanced F-16s and the newest 5th Generation fighter, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The T-50 is a total integrated training solution for 21st century pilot training, and KAI officials note that no other platform on the international market offers the flexibility of the T-50.

"The capabilities of the T-50 are unmatched. This aircraft has many of the same characteristics that several highly advanced fighters in the world possess," said Dr. Alex Jun, Director of T-50 International Marketing.

The T-50 is equipped with advanced performance features that make it an outstanding, cost-effective trainer and provide the key building blocks of operational flexibility and supportability. Its systems form an overwhelmingly capable lead-in fighter trainer and light combat aircraft. With a robust integrated logistics support system, the T-50 provides a cost- effective bridge from primary trainers to high-performance operational fighters.

KAI is completing flights tests of two production aircraft slated for delivery to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) later this year. ROKAF instructor pilots are undergoing training now in Sacheon and will be ready to prepare other ROKAF instructor pilots in February 2006.

The Golden Eagle's overall affordability and potential as a multirole fighter trainer gives KAI and Lockheed Martin confidence that this aircraft will be attractive to a host of international customers, many of whom observed it for the first time at Dubai.

FMI: http://www.koreaaero.com/english, www.lockheedmartin.com