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T-50 Golden Eagle Delivers Disciplined Performance in Training for Next Generation Fighter Pilots

Written by thomas · Filed Under Aeronautics News 

July 17, 2008

thomas

FARNBOROUGH, England, July 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Training for
future generations of fighter pilots is now a reality, as the T-50 Golden
Eagle looks forward to graduating additional classes of Korean air force
student pilots this year.

The third class of officers has graduated from the T-50’s total
advanced training system, meaning 41 officers have graduated to date,
announced J.R. Wildridge, director of T-50 Business Development for
Lockheed Martin during a briefing at the Farnborough Air Show today.

The T-50, co-developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Lockheed
Martin (NYSE: LMT), is Korea’s first indigenous supersonic aircraft and the
world’s only high performance, supersonic trainer in production today. The
T-50 is exceeding the expectations of operational pilots with its
technological advances and capabilities.

“The T-50 provides a cost-effective bridge for air forces around the
world, from primary training to high performance fighters,” said Wildridge.
“The T-50 is relatively easy to fly in terms of airframe design, digital
flight controls, and on-board systems. It includes embedded training
features, a mission planning and debriefing system, as well as a
comprehensive ground-based training system.”

The supersonic T-50 with its maneuverability, endurance and systems
integration provides an excellent capability and functions as a lead-in
fighter trainer (LIFT) for the Republic of Korea Air Force. The main
differences from the advanced jet trainer (AJT) are the addition of
armament and multi-mode fire control radar.

Currently, the ROKAF is using the T-50s delivered last year for
instructor pilot training. Plans are to deliver a total of 72 T-50s to the
ROKAF for AJT and LIFT. To date 25 aircraft have been delivered to the
ROKAF, all on schedule.

Both KAI and Lockheed Martin agree that with both the advanced jet
trainer and the LIFT versions, student pilots will progress from primary
trainers to high-performance, modern operational fighters in a very
cost-effective manner, providing an ideal solution for the training needs
of many air forces around the world.

Development of a light combat variant of the T-50, called the FA-50, is
expected to begin later this year. The Korean government is also expected
to order at least 60 FA-50s to replace older aircraft in Korea’s inventory,
and has also announced its intent to build 10 additional T-50 aircraft for
the ROKAF’s use as part of an aerial demonstration team called the “Black
Eagles.”

KAI is the prime contractor for the T-50 and Lockheed Martin is the
principal subcontractor assisting with development of the new
high-performance trainer. The two companies are joint participants in
international marketing of the T-50.

Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. is the Republic of Korea’s national
aerospace company, established in 1999 with the consolidation of Samsung
Aerospace, Daewoo Heavy Industries and Hyundai Space and Aircraft Co. KAI
lines of business include fixed-wing aircraft, helicopter aircraft and
satellites. Its major products are the KF-16, KT-1 basic trainer, T-50,
SB427 helicopter, UAVs, aerostructures and KOMPSAT satellite program.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000
people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design,
development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced
technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2007
sales of $41.9 billion.

SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company

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