Jump to content

KAI T-50 Golden Eagle

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from T-50 Golden Eagle)
"KTX-2" redirects here. For the Korea Train Express train known as KTX-II, see KTX-Sancheon.

T-50 Golden Eagle
A Republic of Korea Air Force FA-50 carrying a captive training missile on its wingtip
General information
TypeT-50: Advanced jet trainer
TA-50: Lead-in fighter trainer
FA-50: Light combat aircraft
FA-50 Block 20: Light multirole fighter
National originSouth Korea
ManufacturerKorea Aerospace Industries
Lockheed Martin
StatusIn service
Primary usersRepublic of Korea Air Force
Number built200 (all models)[1]
History
Manufactured2001–present
Introduction date22 February 2005[2]
First flight20 August 2002[3]

The KAI T-50 Golden Eagle (Korean: 골든이글) is a family of South Korean supersonic advanced jet trainers and light combat aircraft, developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) with Lockheed Martin.[3] It is South Korea's first indigenous supersonic aircraft and one of the world's few supersonic trainers.[4]

Development of the T-50 began in the late 1990s, and its maiden flight occurred in 2002. It entered active service with the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) in 2005. The T-50 has been further developed into aerobatic and combat variants, namely T-50B, TA-50, and FA-50. An F-50 single-seat multirole fighter variant was considered before being cancelled. The T-50B serves with the South Korean air force's aerobatics team.

The T-50 is in service with a number of countries. Iraq received 24 training variants designated T-50IQ in 2016. The TA-50 light attack variant has also been operated by Indonesia, 16 planes entered service by 2014 and an additional 6 aircraft were ordered in 2021. The Philippines operate the FA-50 light fighter variant, 12 of which were delivered over the next few years with the country considering to order another batch of 12 planes. Thailand ordered 12 units of the T-50 advanced trainer variant (T-50TH) starting in 2015. In 2022, Poland ordered 48 FA-50 aircraft, followed by Malaysia in 2023 that ordered 18 of the latest Block 20 variant.

Development

[edit]

Origins

[edit]
T-50 Golden Eagle on a squadron flight

The T-50 program was originally intended to develop an indigenous trainer aircraft capable of supersonic flight, to train and prepare pilots for the KF-16 and F-15K, replacing trainers such as T-38 and A-37 that were then in service with the ROKAF.[5] Prior South Korean aircraft programs include the turboprop KT-1 basic trainer produced by Daewoo Aerospace (now part of KAI), and license-manufactured KF-16.[3] In general, the T-50 series of aircraft, specifically the FA-50, closely resembles the KF-16 in configuration.[6][5]

The mother program, code-named KTX-2, began in 1992,[7] but the Ministry of Finance and Economy suspended KTX-2 in 1995 due to financial constraints.[8] The basic design of the aircraft was set by 1999.[3] The development of the aircraft was funded 70% by the South Korean government, 17% by KAI, and 13% by Lockheed Martin.[3]

The aircraft was formally designated as the T-50 Golden Eagle in February 2000.[3] The T-50A designation was reserved by the U.S. military to prevent it from being inadvertently assigned to another aircraft model.[9][10] Final assembly of the first T-50 took place between 15 January and 14 September 2001.[3] The first flight of the T-50 took place in August 2002, with initial operational assessment from 28 July to 14 August 2003.[3]

KAI and Lockheed Martin were pursuing a joint marketing program for the T-50 internationally. The ROKAF placed a production contract for 25 T-50s in December 2003, with aircraft scheduled to be delivered between 2005 and 2009.[11][unreliable source?] Original T-50 aircraft are equipped with the AN/APG-67(v)4 radar from Lockheed Martin.[12] The T-50 is equipped with a GE F404 engine with Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) built under license by Samsung Techwin.[13] Under the terms of the T-50/F404-102 co-production agreement, GE provides engine kits directly to Samsung Techwin, which produces designated parts and performs final engine assembly and testing.[14]

Improved variants

[edit]

The program has expanded beyond a trainer concept to include the TA-50 light attack aircraft and the FA-50 light combat aircraft.[15] The TA-50 variant is a more heavily armed version of the T-50 trainer, intended for lead-in fighter training and light attack roles. It is equipped with the Elta EL/M-2032 fire control radar.[16] The TA-50 is designed to operate as a full-fledged combat platform for precision-guided weapons, air-to-air missiles,[17] and air-to-ground missiles.[18] The TA-50 can mount additional utility pods for reconnaissance, targeting assistance, and electronic warfare. Reconnaissance and electronic warfare variants are also being developed, designated RA-50 and EA-50, respectively.[19]

FA-50 Fighting Eagle on a squadron flight

The FA-50 is an advanced version of the T-50, possessing more internal fuel capacity, enhanced avionics, a longer radome, and a tactical datalink.[20] It is equipped with a modified Israeli EL/M-2032 pulse-Doppler radar with Korean-specific modifications by LIG Nex1.[21] The engine could be either Eurojet EJ200 or General Electric F414 with thrust of 89 to 98 kN (20,000 to 22,000 lbf), roughly 12–25% higher than the F404's thrust;[22][23] and are offered to prospective customers for the T-50. The radar of the FA-50 has a range two-thirds greater than the TA-50's radar.[24] The EL/M-2032 was initially chosen over Lockheed Martin's preferred AN/APG-67(V)4 and SELEX Vixen 500E active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars. Other AESA radars such as Raytheon's AN/APG-79 and Northrop Grumman's AN/APG-83 are options for future production,[25][26] and may be shared with the radar chosen for USAF and ROKAF F-16 fighters.[27] During the 2010s, Samsung Thales independently worked on a domestic multi-mode AESA radar for the FA-50.[28]

In December 2008, South Korea awarded a contract to KAI to convert four T-50s to FA-50 standard by 2012. In 2012, the ROKAF ordered 20 FA-50 fighters to be delivered by the end of 2014.[27] The maiden flight of the FA-50 took place in 2011.[29] 60 FA-50 aircraft are to be produced for the ROKAF from 2013 to 2016.[30] KAI received a ₩1.1 trillion (equivalent to ₩1.16 trillion or US$1.02 billion in 2017)[31] order for the FA-50 in May 2013.[32]

In December 2015, KAI revealed the KAI-LM T-50 T-X upgrade intended to compete in the U.S. T-X program. This variant features a dorsal hump for extra internal fuel and an aerial refuelling receptacle, large area display (LAD), and embedded ground training systems.[33][34][35]

In October ADEX 2017, KAI unveiled the T-50A as a new variant based on the FA-50, including fifth generation cockpit, an aerial refuelling receptacle, cockpit multifunction display, dorsal hump for extra internal fuel, and an embedded training suite.[36] By January 2019, KAI had begun development on the improved FA-50, referred to as the Block 10 and Block 20 upgrades. Block 10 is a software upgrade that can use the Lockheed Martin AN/AAQ-33 sniper targeting pod, while the Block 20 has an improved capability for beyond-visual-range air-to-air missions, carrying munitions such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM.[37]

On 15 May 2023, KAI chose the Raytheon PhantomStrike over the Northrop Grumman AN/APG-83 to be the FA-50 Block 20's radar. The PhantomStrike weighs 68 kg (150 lb) (lighter than the existing FA-50 radar) and is an air-cooled compact AESA radar with digital beam forming and steering, multi-mode functionality and interleaved ground and air targeting capabilities. Raytheon expects PhantomStrike to be delivered to KAI in 2025.[38][39]

KAI had developed plans for a single-seat version of the FA-50 designated the F-50. This plan was initially put on hold to focus on development of the KF-21, but it was later revisited as part of an effort by the company to increase export sales. The F-50 is claimed to have 80% of the capabilities of an F-16 but at a lower cost; development is planned to be completed by 2028.[40] The South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) began funding the project in May 2025. The F-50 will remove the second pilot and cockpit and install a 300-gallon auxiliary fuel system that will extend its operational radius over the FA-50's 239 nmi (443 km) by 20%-30%.[41]

Design

[edit]

Overview

[edit]
A T-50 squadron performing aerobatic maneuvers during a demonstration flight

The T-50 Golden Eagle resembles the F-16 Fighting Falcon, though it is only 80% of the size.[7] The trainer has seating for two pilots in a tandem arrangement. The high-mounted canopy developed by Hankuk Fiber is applied with stretched acrylic, providing the pilots with good visibility. The trainer has been tested to offer the canopy with ballistic protection against 4 lb objects impacting at 400 knots.[42] The altitude limit is 14,600 m (48,000 ft), and the airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service.[43] The seven internal fuel tanks have a capacity of 2,655 L (701 US gal), five in the fuselage and two in the wings. An additional 1,710 L (452 US gal) of fuel can be carried in the three external fuel tanks.[11] T-50 trainer variants have a paint scheme of white and red, and aerobatic variants white, black, and yellow.[44]

The T-50 uses a single General Electric F404-102 turbofan engine license-produced by Samsung Techwin,[45] upgraded with a FADEC system jointly developed by General Electric and KAI.[46] The engine consists of three-staged fans, a seven-axial-stage arrangement, and an afterburner.[11] The aircraft has a maximum speed of Mach 1.5.[47] Its engine produces a maximum of 78.7 kN (17,700 lbf) of thrust with afterburner.[11] The more powerful GE F414 and Eurojet EJ200 engines have been suggested as the new engine for the T-50 family.[22]

Avionics

[edit]
FA-50PH's rear cockpit

Lockheed Martin designed many of the avionics and provides the fly-by-wire system.[7] The T-50's central processing unit and its operating system are developed by MDS Technology.[48] The T-50's NEOS avionics operating system is the first and only real-time operating system to be developed by an Asian company, and holds both DO-178B and IEEE POSIX certification.[48][49][50][51] Samsung Thales and LIG Nex1 are the main avionics and Electronic warfare equipment developers for T-50 and its variants.[52][53] Other South Korean companies and defense institutes such as DoDAAM Systems, Aeromaster, Intellics, and Korea Institute of Defense Analysis are responsible for the aircraft's secondary avionics and embedded systems, including store management computers,[54] avionics testing equipment,[55] flight data recorders,[56] portable maintenance aids,[57] data analysis software,[58] post-flight data processing system,[59] aircraft structure and engine management software,[60][61] and mission planning and support systems.[62] The TA-50 version is equipped with an Elta EL/M-2032 fire control radar.[63]

The T-50 is equipped with a Honeywell H-764G embedded global positioning/inertial navigation system and HG9550 radar altimeter.[11] The aircraft is the first trainer to feature triple-redundant digital fly-by-wire controls.[43] The cockpit panels, switches, and joysticks are produced by South Korea's FirsTec and Sungjin Techwin, head-up display by DoDaaM Systems, and multi-function display by Samsung Thales.[62][64][65][66] Other South Korean subcontractors such as Elemech, Dawin Friction, and Withus cooperate in T-50 components production.[67] Hanwha supplies the mechanical parts for the flight control system,[68] and WIA supplies the undercarriage.[69]

Armament and equipment

[edit]
FA-50 is firing AGM-65G Maverick

The TA-50 has a three-barrel cannon based on the M61 Vulcan mounted internally behind the cockpit, which fires linkless 20 mm ammunition.[11] Wingtip rails can accommodate the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile, and a variety of additional weapons can be mounted on underwing hardpoints.[11] Compatible air-to-surface weapons include the AGM-65 Maverick missile, Hydra 70 and LOGIR rocket launchers, CBU-58 and Mk-20 cluster bombs, and Mk-82, −83, and −84 general-purpose bombs.[3]

The FA-50 can be externally fitted with Rafael's Sky Shield or LIG Nex1's ALQ-200K ECM pods, Sniper or LITENING targeting pods, and Condor 2 reconnaissance pods to further improve its electronic warfare, reconnaissance, and targeting capabilities.[70][71] Other armaments include SPICE multifunctional guidance kits,[72] Textron CBU-97/105 Sensor Fuzed Weapon with WCMD tail kits, JDAM, JDAM-ER for more comprehensive air-to-ground operations, and AIM-120 missiles for BVR air-to-air operations.[73] FA-50 has provisions for, but does not yet integrate, Python and Derby missiles, also produced by Rafael, and other anti-ship missiles, stand-off weapons, and sensors to be domestically developed by Korea.[74][75][76] The South Korean military is reviewing whether to arm the FA-50 with a smaller version of the Taurus KEPD 350 missile to give it a stand-off engagement capability of 400 km (250 mi).[77] European missile maker MBDA's Meteor and ASRAAM medium and short-range air-to-air missiles are also reportedly available for integration on the FA-50 and the KF-X.[78]

Operational history

[edit]

Republic of Korea

[edit]
T-50B Black Eagles on a aerobatic flight

In 2011, the first squadron with the TA-50, the T-50's light attack variant, became operational with the ROKAF.[79] The ROKAF's Black Eagles aerobatic team operates the T-50B version. In 2014, the FA-50 was officially deployed by the ROKAF with President Park Geun-hye officially leading a ceremony during which a flight demonstration was held showing its capabilities. 20 FA-50s was assigned its own Air Force wing. 60 FA-50s were ordered by ROKAF.[80] On 9 October 2014, an FA-50 successfully test fired an AGM-65 Maverick at a stationary target, a retired ship.[81]

Indonesia

[edit]
Indonesian Air Force T-50i

Indonesia had been considering the T-50, along with four other aircraft to replace its BAE Systems Hawk Mk 53 trainer and OV-10 Bronco attack aircraft.[82] In August 2010, Indonesia announced that T-50, Yak-130 and L-159 were the remaining candidates for its requirement for 16 advanced jet trainers.[83] In May 2011, Indonesia signed a US$400 million contract for 16 T-50s, designated T-50i.[84] They feature weapons pylons and gun modules, enabling light attack capabilities.[85][86] Deliveries began in September 2013;[87] the last aircraft were delivered in January 2014.[88]

In July 2021, KAI confirmed that it has been awarded a US$240 million contract to supply another batch of six T-50s along with a support and logistics package.[89]

Iraq

[edit]

Iraq first publicly expressed official interest in the T-50 trainers during the Korea–Iraq summit in Seoul on 24 February 2009.[90] In April 2010, Iraq reopened the jet lead-in fighter-trainer competition for 24 aircraft, in which TA-50 competed.[91] In December 2013, Iraq signed a contract for 24 T-50IQ aircraft, a FA-50 variant, plus additional equipment and pilot training over the next 20 years.[92][93] The first batch of aircraft was delivered in March 2017 while the second batch arrived in May 2018.[94][95] However, none were flown until June 2022, following the negotiation of a maintenance, logistics and training contract with KAI in November 2021.[96]

Philippines

[edit]
Philippine Air Force FA-50PHs escorting the plane carrying President Aquino

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) chose 12 TA-50s to fulfill its requirement for a light attack and lead-in fighter trainer aircraft. The Department of National Defense (DND) announced the selection of the type in August 2012.[63] Funding for 12 aircraft was approved by Congress in September 2012.[97]

In January 2013, state media reported that the FA-50 variant, not the TA-50 as previously reported, was selected for procurement.[98] In October 2013, President Benigno Aquino III said that the DND was close to finalizing the FA-50 deal.[99] On 19 October 2013, President Aquino and President Park Geun-hye of South Korea signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with provisions for acquisitions.[100] On 13 February 2014, President Aquino approved the payment scheme and budget of P18.9 billion ($415.7 million) for 12 lead-in fighter trainers.[101] On 28 March 2014, the DND signed a contract for 12 FA-50 fighters worth P18.9 billion (US$421.12 million).[102][103]

Deliveries began in November 2015,[104] all 12 aircraft were delivered by 31 May 2017.[105][106] Plans were laid for 3 or 4 FA-50s to be fitted with capability for beyond visual range (BVR) intercept.[107] In March 2015, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reported that the Philippines plans to order additional FA-50s,[108][109] which is supported by the PAF Flight Plan 2028 that lists another 12 FA-50s planned for the future.[110][111]

On 26 January 2017, two PAF FA-50PHs conducted a nighttime attack on terrorist hideouts in Butig, Lanao del Sur in Mindanao, the first combat sorties flown by these aircraft.[112][113] In June 2017, FA-50s were deployed to conduct airstrikes against Maute terrorists entrenched in the city of Marawi starting in May 2017.[114][115] On 12 July 2017, an FA-50 was involved in a friendly fire incident during the battle of Marawi, when a bomb landed approximately 250 meters off target, killing two Philippine soldiers and injuring 11 more.[116] An investigation cleared the aircrew and aircraft of fault and the type was returned to active service in August.[117]

In June 2018, the PAF was reportedly reviewing the possible acquisition of 12 more aircraft.[118][119] PAF Chief Lt. Gen Connor Anthony Canlas Sr. reiterated this possibility in a media interview in June 2022.[120][110]

On 2 February 2019, two PAF FA-50s dropped eight 250-pound bombs on a base of the ISIS-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in response to a bomb attack on the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Barangay Walled City, Jolo, Sulu.[121]

On 25 June 2020, in relation to its 73rd founding anniversary, the PAF conducted a live fire exercise off the coast of Palawan, performing the first live-firing of an AGM-65G2 Maverick missile from a FA-50PH at a floating target to demonstrate its anti-ship capabilities.[122]

On 25 December 2020, one day before the 52nd anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines, a PAF FA-50 dropped six bombs, including a GPS-guided bomb, that resulted in the deaths of three New People's Army rebels at their base camp in Daguma Mountain Range in Sultan Kudarat province.[123]

On 26 April 2023, as part of the 2023 BALIKATAN Exercises, a PAF FA-50PH took part in the sinking of target ship ex-BRP Pangasinan as part of SINKEX (Sinking Exercise) under BALIKATAN Exercises, firing a single AGM-65G2 Maverick missile.[124]

Thailand

[edit]

In September 2015, the Thai government chose the T-50TH for its air force over the Chinese Hongdu L-15 to replace its aging L-39 Albatros trainers. The four T-50THs were scheduled to be delivered by March 2018.[125][126][127] In July 2017, Thailand's government approved the procurement of eight more aircraft[128][129] Deliveries began in January 2018.[130]

Poland

[edit]

On 22 July 2022, Poland's Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said in a media interview that the country is buying 48 FA-50 fighters.[131] On 28 July, KAI officially signed the deal for 12 FA-50 Block 10 and 36 FA-50PL Block 20 with the Polish government;[132] deliveries are to start in 2023.[133] Blaszczak said KAI's ability to deliver the aircraft quickly was the decisive factor in it being chosen. As a result of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Polish Air Force desired urgently to replace their remaining MiG-29 fighter and Su-22 attack aircraft and the U.S. was unable to supply additional F-16s in such a short timeframe. Along with the fighters, KAI is expected to help establish a servicing center for them in Poland in cooperation with Polish defense industries by 2026.[134]

Malaysia

[edit]

On 24 February 2023, KAI announced the signing of a $920 million deal with the Malaysian Ministry of Defence for the purchase of 18 FA-50 Block 20 for the Royal Malaysian Air Force's light combat aircraft (LCA) and fighter in-lead trainer (FLIT) tender,[135] which is intended to replace the Aermacchi MB-339 and Hawk Mk 108/208 currently in service.[136] The FA-50 was in competition with the Indian HAL Tejas, Italian Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master, Turkish TAI Hürjet, Chinese Hongdu L-15, Russian Mikoyan MiG-35, and Sino-Pakistani JF-17 Thunder.[137] On 23 May 2023, Malaysia signed a $920 million final contract with KAI to purchase 18 FA-50 Block 20s.[138] KAI officials said Malaysia is willing to order 18 more FA-50s later.[139]

Possible sales

[edit]
  • Azerbaijan: Azerbaijani Air Forces has expressed interest in purchasing T-50 trainers.[140]
  • Bolivia: the T-50 has been offered to the Bolivian Air Force as their new light jet fighter.[141]
  • Botswana: The FA-50 was offered to Botswana.[142]
  • Brunei: The Royal Brunei Air Force has expressed interest in the FA-50.[143]
  • Colombia: On 29 April 2022 it was rumored that the Colombian Air Force had chosen 20 TA-50s and FA-50s as its next trainer and fighter,[144] but it was later denied by the Colombian Air Force.[145]
  • Croatia: The FA-50 is also being offered to Croatia, which is deciding on a replacement for its aging fleet of MiG-21BIS aircraft.[146] However, in October 2017, KAI did not bid[147] as the FA-50 could not satisfy the Croatian fighter requirements.[citation needed] The Croatian Air Force then selected the French Rafale.[citation needed] Croatia needs to purchase lead in-trainer aircraft that KAI could bid on. The program is yet to be announced by the Croatian government.[citation needed]
  • Egypt: On 16 January 2023, Egypt's state-owned Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) confirmed an agreement to produce the T-50 advanced trainers and the armed FA-50 locally in Egypt. The Egyptian Air Force is to operate the T-50/FA-50 jet as a replacement to their aging fleet of Alpha Jets and Chinese Karakorum-8 trainer jets.[citation needed]
  • Pakistan: The Pakistan Air Force is considering the purchase of the South Korean KAI T-50 Lead-in Fighter Trainer (LIFT) to revamp its air force training program.[148]
  • Peru: The FA-50 is being offered to Peru.[149] On June 23, 2024 it was reported that KAI and Peruvian Air Force will signed a MoU for 20 FA-50s. Is expected for the MoU to be signed in July and a contract signed by end of year.[150]
  • Senegal: Senegal announced that they will acquire the FA-50 on 29 January 2024.[151]
  • Spain: The Spanish Air Force was interested in a cooperation agreement with South Korea for the use of training aircraft such as the T-50.[152] In 2018, Spain held talks with South Korea to swap 50 basic T-50 trainers for 4 to 5 Airbus A400M airlifters.[153][154]
  • Slovakia: On October 3, 2021 Yonhap News Agency reported that Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) was seeking to export the FA-50 to the Slovak Air Force.[155] A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was reportedly signed between KAI and LOTN, a Slovakian state-owned enterprise to facilitate industrial offset negotiations.
  • United Arab Emirates: The United Arab Emirates Air Force is seeking 35–40 fighter-trainers. In February 2009, the UAE selected the M-346 over the T-50.[156] In January 2010, the UAE reopened the trainer contest.[157] In 2011, it was confirmed that the T-50 was still competing for the UAE purchase.[158]
  • United States: The TF-50A, a variant FA-50, is one of the contenders for the U.S. Air Force's Advanced Tactical Trainer program, with plans to build between 100 and 400 aircraft.[159] The TF-50N, a variant FA-50, is one of the contenders for the U.S. Navy's Tactical Surrogate Aircraft program, planning to manufacture 64 aircraft.[159] The TF-50N is also one of the contenders for the U.S. Navy's Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) program, planning to manufacture 145 aircraft.[160][161][162]
  • Vietnam: The Government of Vietnam looks to purchase FA-50 light fighters from the U.S. and South Korea.[163]

Failed bids

[edit]
  • Argentina: The Argentine Air Force evaluated the FA-50 as a potential new platform in 2016.[164] Argentina sought to buy the FA-50 through repatriation in Korea; the Argentine defense minister reported stated that when the financial aid was secured, a contract for the FA-50 with KAI could be signed by December 2017.[165] By July 2019, Argentina was set to buy FA-50s as an interim replacement for the retired Mirage 3, 5, and Dagger force, and to help replace the A-4AR Fightinghawk fleet, as those aircraft are aging and becoming difficult to maintain.[166][167] KAI later notified Argentina that a sale was not possible as the UK blocked it due to an arms embargo — the aircraft features various British components, including Martin-Baker ejection seats.[168]
  • Israel: The Israeli Air Force evaluated the T-50 as a possible replacement for its McDonnell Douglas A-4N Skyhawk II trainers since 2003.[169] On 16 February 2012, Israel announced its decision to procure 30 Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Masters instead.[170][171]
  • Singapore: The Republic of Singapore Air Force evaluated the T-50 against the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 and the BAE Systems Hawk for a $500 million contract for 12–16 trainers.[172] The Singapore Ministry of Defense selected the M-346 in July 2010.[173]
  • Taiwan: The Republic of China Air Force is looking to replace its current fleet of AT-3 jet trainers and F-5 LIFT planes with 66 advanced trainers, both Lockheed Martin with the T-50 and Alenia Aermacchi with the M-346 responded to a request for information (RFI). They were expected to be license produced in Taiwan with a local partner firm, and the overall estimated contract value is 69 billion New Taiwan dollars (US$2.2 billion).[174] However, Taiwan decided to build 66 AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle supersonic trainers based on Taiwan's existing AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-kuo fighters for NT$68.6 billion instead of selecting the T-50 or M-346.[175]
  • United States: The T-50A was a contender for the U.S. Air Force's T-X program, with an opportunity to export 300 to 1,000 aircraft.[22][176] In September 2018 the USAF selected Boeing's T-7 trainer.[177][22] In January 2020, the USAF gave notice that it would lease four to eight T-50A trainers from Hillwood Aviation due to the T-7A being delayed.[178] In August 2020 the acquisition was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic; in October it was announced that the plan had been further delayed.[179]
  • Uzbekistan: In October 2015, the U.S. refused to approve the sale of T-50s to Uzbekistan.[180][181] The T-50 uses a US-made engine, the F404, which requires a US export license to re-export to another country along the T-50.[182]

Variants

[edit]
TA-50 group display at ROKAF air base
T-50
Advanced trainer version.[183]
T-50B
Aerobatic-specialized T-50 version.[183] Currently used by ROKAF's aerobatic display team, the Black Eagles.
TA-50
Lead-in fighter trainer and light attack version.[183]
FA-50
Light fighter/attack version, originally named A-50. A prototype from a converted T-50 first flew in 2011.[183][184][185]
FA-50 Block 10
Software upgrades to enable integration of Lockheed Martin AN/AAQ-33 Sniper targeting pod[186]
FA-50 Block 20
Integration of telescopic probe solution from Cobham Mission Systems for inflight refueling capability,[187] conformal 300 gallon fuel tank for better range, integration of mid-range air-to-surface missiles and beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAMs), avionics upgrade and possible AESA radar.[188]
F-50
The F-50 is a proposed single–seat multirole fighter variant. In 2016 it was cancelled in favor of the KAI KF-21.[189] In 2024, KAI announced that it had resumed working on the project again.[190]

Country-specific versions

[edit]
Indonesian Air Force T-50i of the 15th Air Squadron carrying AIM-9P
 Indonesia
T-50i
Version of the T-50 for Indonesian Air Force[84][87]
 Iraq
T-50IQ
Version of the FA-50 for Iraqi Air Force[93][92]
 Philippines
FA-50PH
Version of the FA-50 for the Philippine Air Force[191]
 Poland
FA-50GF
Version of the FA-50 Block 10 for the Polish Air Force[192]
FA-50PL
Version of the FA-50 Block 20 for the Polish Air Force[192]
 Malaysia
FA-50M
Version of the FA-50 Block 20 for the Royal Malaysian Air Force[193]
 Thailand
T-50TH
Version of the T-50 for the Royal Thai Air Force.[194] with some FA-50/TA-50 equipment and capability such as EL/M-2032 radar, MIL-STD-1760 interface, 20 mm gun, radar warning receiver, and countermeasures dispenser system. Compatible with laser-guided bombs, AIM-9 Sidewinder and AGM-65 Maverick, integration for beyond-visual-range missile[195][196]
 United States
T-50A
Failed candidate for the US Air Force T-X program, based on the FA-50.[197]
TF-50A
Candidate for the US Air Force Advanced Tactical Trainer program, based on the FA-50.[159][162]
TF-50N
Candidate for the US Navy Tactical Surrogate Aircraft program and the Undergraduate Jet Training System program, based on the FA-50.[159][161][162]

Operators

[edit]
Map with T-50 operators in blue

Current operators

[edit]
 Indonesia
Indonesian Air Force – 16 T-50i trainers were delivered by January 2014. These were fitted with EL/M-2032 radars and cannons in 2018.[198][199] 13 aircraft are in service as of August 2023.[200] In July 2021, Indonesia signed a contract for a further six planes at a cost of US$240 million with delivery by October 2024.[201][202]
 Iraq
Iraqi Air Force – 24 T-50IQ light fighters were delivered by November 2019.[203]
 Malaysia
Royal Malaysian Air Force - 18 units of FA-50M Block 20 on order.[136]
 Philippines
Philippine Air Force – 12 FA-50PH light fighter aircraft were delivered by 31 May 2017.[105]
 Poland
Polish Air Force – 12 FA-50GF Block 10 and 36 FA-50PL Block 20 on order.[192]
 South Korea
Republic of Korea Air Force – 50 T-50s, 10 T-50Bs, 22 TA-50s,[204] and 60 FA-50s[205] (142 total) aircraft in service as of October 2016.
 Thailand
Royal Thai Air Force – 14 T-50TH trainers ordered in total. The first four aircraft were delivered in April 2018.[206]

Accidents and incidents

[edit]
  • On 15 November 2012, a South Korean air force pilot from the Black Eagles aerobatic display team was killed when his T-50B crashed in the mountains of Hoengsong, about 48 nm (90 km) east of Seoul,[207] due to human error during a maintenance operation.[208]
  • On 20 December 2015, an Indonesian Air Force T-50i crashed while performing a demonstration during an airshow at Adisutjipto Air Base in Yogyakarta, killing its two pilots,[209] possibly caused by pilot error.[210]
  • On 6 February 2018, a South Korean aerobatic team's plane flipped over after the pilot did not align the nose wheel properly, and turned off NWS prematurely at Changi Airport.[211] It was taking off in preparation for a display at the Singapore Airshow.[212]
  • On 10 August 2020, an Indonesian Air Force T-50i pilot died from injuries sustained during a training accident at the Iswahyudi Air Force Base.[213]
  • On 19 July 2022, an Indonesian Air Force T-50i crashed in Central Java during a nighttime training mission, killing its pilot.[214]

Specifications (T-50)

[edit]
FA-50 Fighting Eagle
FA-50 landing for ROKAF's first delivery
TA-50 Lead in Fighter Trainer at KAI
T-50 Golden Eagles lining up

Data from Korea Aerospace Industries[215][47][216]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Length: 13.14 m (43 ft 1 in)
  • Wingspan: 9.45 m (31 ft 0 in) with wingtip missiles
  • Height: 4.82 m (15 ft 8 in)
  • Wing area: 23.69 m2 (255.0 sq ft) [217]
  • Empty weight: 6,470 kg (14,285 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 10,722 kg (23,638 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 2,655 liters (701 U.S. gal) internal
  • Powerplant: 1 × General Electric F404-GE-102 afterburning turbofan engine (built under license by Samsung Techwin[14]), 53.07 kN (11,930 lbf) thrust dry, 78.7 kN (17,700 lbf) with afterburner

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 1,837.5 km/h (1,141.8 mph, 992.2 kn) at 9,144 m (30,000 ft)
  • Maximum speed: Mach 1.5[47][218]
  • Range: 1,851 km (1,150 mi, 999 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 14,630 m (48,000 ft)
  • g limits: +8 −3
  • Rate of climb: 198 m/s (39,000 ft/min)
  • Thrust/weight: 0.96
Note: armament for TA-50 and FA-50 only.

Armament

Avionics

  • Lockheed Martin AN/APG-67 (T-50IQ)
  • Elta EL/M-2032 (TA-50 and FA-50 Block 10)
  • Raytheon PhantomStrike air-cooled AESA radar (FA-50 Block 20 improvement)[38][39]
  • LIG Nex1 ESR-500A air-cooled AESA radar (Option for FA-50 Block 20)[226]

Variant specifications

[edit]
[217][227][228] FA-50 Block 10 TA-50 T-50B
Length 13.14 m (43 ft 1 in)
Wingspan 9.45 m (31 ft 0 in)
Height 4.82 m (15 ft 8 in)
Wing area 23.69 m2 (255.0 sq ft)
Empty weight 6,454 kg (14,229 lb)
Max takeoff weight 12,215 kg (26,929 lb) 12,223 kg (26,947 lb) 10,722 kg (23,638 lb)
Internal fuel 2.5 t (2.5 long tons; 2.8 short tons)
External fuel 3x 150 US gal (120 imp gal; 570 L)
Range 1,851 km (1,150 mi, 1,000 nmi)
Combat range 444 km (276 mi, 230 nmi)
Ferry range 2,592 km (1,611 mi, 1,400 nmi)
Service ceiling 16,764 m (55,000 ft)
g limits +8.3 / −3

See also

[edit]

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

[edit]
  1. ^ The Political Economy of Change and Continuity in Korea: Twenty Years after the Crisis, Springer (2018), p. 115
  2. ^ First T-50 Golden Eagles Delivered to Korean Air Force; Only Supersonic Trainer in Production Today Archived 6 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Lockheed Martin, 22 February 2006.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Korean Aerospace T-50 Golden Eagle". Flug Revue, 8 July 2004. copy archived 11 June 2008.
  4. ^ "Domestic Light Attack Jets Due in 2013" . The Korea Times, 30 December 2008.
  5. ^ a b "Korea's T-50 Family Spreads Its Wings" Archived 11 January 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Defenseindustrydaily.com, 21 August 2013. Retrieved 8 September 2013.
  6. ^ "FA-50 Light Combat Aircraft". Air Force Technology. Archived from the original on 13 August 2020. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
  7. ^ a b c Korean Aerospace Industries T-50 Golden Eagle Archived 27 October 2005 at the Wayback Machine. Aeroflight
  8. ^ "KTX-2 Indigenous Trainer" Archived 20 March 2007 at the Wayback Machine. GlobalSecurity.org
  9. ^ DOD 4120.15-L – Addendum, MDS Designators Archived 26 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine, Designation-Systems.net.
  10. ^ Parsch, Andreas. ""Missing" USAF/DOD Aircraft Designations". Archived from the original on 25 December 2008. Retrieved 16 February 2009.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h T-50 Golden Eagle Jet Trainer and Light Attack Aircraft, South Korea Archived 6 October 2006 at the Wayback Machine. Air Force Technology.
  12. ^ "Korean T-50 displays fast-jet credentials" Archived 5 September 2014 at the Wayback Machine. AIN Online, 11 December 2006.
  13. ^ "Black Eagles aerobatic display team". bainesplanes.co.uk. Archived from the original on 20 June 2013. Retrieved 16 June 2013.
  14. ^ a b "Republic of Korea orders 57 F404 Engine Kits for T-50 Trainers". GE Aviation. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 16 June 2013.
  15. ^ "FA-50 Light Combat Aircraft – Airforce Technology". Archived from the original on 22 June 2017. Retrieved 16 June 2017.
  16. ^ "PICTURES: KAI rolls out first production T/A-50". 26 January 2011. Archived from the original on 17 December 2011. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
  17. ^ [사진] 국산 초음속 경공격기 "발사". 9 January 2007. Archived from the original on 26 April 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  18. ^ "A-50 Successful AGM-65 Launch". Archived from the original on 23 December 2015. Retrieved 26 November 2011.
  19. ^ "A-50 Growth Capability". Archived from the original on 23 December 2015. Retrieved 26 November 2011.
  20. ^ T/A-50 makers plan Israeli pitch Archived 10 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Flightglobal.com. Retrieved 5 June 2011.
  21. ^ International, Forecast. (28 July 2009) South Korea and Israel to Jointly Develop Radar Archived 21 January 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Defencetalk.com. Retrieved 5 June 2011.
  22. ^ a b c d Trimble, Stephen (24 May 2011). "Lockheed ponders T-50 re-engining for T-X programme". Flightglobal. Archived from the original on 28 May 2011. Retrieved 10 November 2016.
  23. ^ "Eurojet offers Korea chance to join consortium". 14 October 2011. Archived from the original on 16 November 2011. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
  24. ^ '국산 공격기' FA-50 시범 비행 최초 공개. Archived from the original on 24 November 2011. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
  25. ^ South Korea orders KAI F/A-50 light attack fighter prototypes Archived 10 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Flightglobal.com. Retrieved 5 June 2011.
  26. ^ "KAI bids to spread wings with Golden Eagle". 14 October 2011. Archived from the original on 11 December 2011. Retrieved 22 November 2011.
  27. ^ a b "Seoul places $600m order for 20 FA-50s". 4 January 2012. Archived from the original on 9 January 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2012.
  28. ^ Archived copy Archived 6 December 2013 at the Wayback Machine Samsung Thales: Multi-Mode Active Phase Array Radar (FA50)
  29. ^ FA-50 prototype Archived 13 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine
  30. ^ "S. Korea to mass-produce armed version of trainer jet starting in 2013". Archived from the original on 6 November 2011. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
  31. ^ 1906 to 1911: Williamson J. (1999), Nominal Wage, Cost of Living, Real Wage and Land Rent Data for Korea 1906-1939 1912 to 1939: Mizoguchi, T. (1972). Consumer Prices and Real Wages in Taiwan and Korea Under Japanese Rule. Hitotsubashi Journal of Economics, 13(1), 40-56. Retrieved May 21, 2021. Afterwards, consumer price index from Statistics Korea. Consumer Price Index by year. Retrieved 3 April 2018
  32. ^ Waldron2013-05-07T06:36:00+01:00, Greg. "KAI wins W1.1tn contract for FA-50 fighters". Flight Global. Archived from the original on 7 June 2013. Retrieved 4 April 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  33. ^ "Testing Of KAI-LM T-50 T-X Upgrade To Start In 2016". Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 18 December 2015.
  34. ^ "PICTURES: KAI, Lockheed rollout T-X prototype". 17 December 2015. Archived from the original on 25 February 2017. Retrieved 18 December 2015.
  35. ^ Lockheed proposes KAI T-50A for T-X over Skunk Works design Archived 12 February 2016 at the Wayback Machine – Flightglobal.com, 11 February 2016
  36. ^ "ADEX 2017: KAI unveils T-50A variant". shephardmedia.com. Archived from the original on 19 October 2017.
  37. ^ a b "KAI Developing Smarter FA-50 Golden Eagle | Defense News: Aviation International News". Archived from the original on 26 January 2019. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
  38. ^ a b "Raytheon Technologies upgrading Korea Aerospace Industries' FA-50 aircraft with PhantomStrike™ radar". Raytheon Technologies. 15 May 2023. Archived from the original on 25 May 2023. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
  39. ^ a b "FA-50, 레이시온 '팬텀 스트라이크' 탑재…AESA레이더 기종 확정". The guru. 16 May 2023. Archived from the original on 26 May 2023. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
  40. ^ Korean Aerospace Industries eyes new fighter designs, FA-50 sales in Pacific. Breaking Defense. 1 June 2023.
  41. ^ "South Korean ministry plans single-seat FA-50 investment". Janes Information Services. 6 May 2024. Archived from the original on 8 May 2024.
  42. ^ "Hankuk Fiber T-50 Canopy". hfiber.com. Archived from the original on 2 August 2020.
  43. ^ a b T-50 Golden Eagle Archived 3 October 2006 at the Wayback Machine. GlobalSecurity.org, updated 31 August 2005.
  44. ^ 서울신문 – 맛있는 정보! 신선한 뉴스!. Archived from the original on 25 April 2012. Retrieved 25 November 2011.
  45. ^ Repair & overhaul services for USFK helicopter engines Archived 17 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine, 2009
  46. ^ GE – Aviation: F404 Archived 25 September 2010 at the Wayback Machine. Geae.com (25 May 2011). Retrieved 5 June 2011.
  47. ^ a b c "T-50 FAMILY". Korea Aerospace Industries. 2012. Archived from the original on 19 July 2012. Retrieved 19 July 2012.
  48. ^ a b "MDS Technology NEOS RTOS". MDS Technology. Archived from the original on 14 July 2011.
  49. ^ "MDS Technology relies on VectorCAST for DO-178B Level A certification testing" Archived 17 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine (PDF). vectorcast.com. Retrieved 5 June 2011.
  50. ^ "MDS Technology NEOS Version 3.0 RTOS IEEE POSIX certification". naver.net.
  51. ^ "Software Accomplishments Summary for the NEOS-178S Operating System". naver.net.
  52. ^ "Samsung Thales Avionics/Electronic Warfare Systems". samsungthales.com. Archived from the original on 19 September 2012.
  53. ^ "LIG Nex1 Avionics". lignex1.com. Archived from the original on 6 April 2012.
  54. ^ "DoDAAM Systems SMC". Archived from the original on 10 July 2011.
  55. ^ "DoDAAM Systems ATE". dodaam.com. Archived from the original on 10 July 2011.
  56. ^ "DoDAAM Systems DPS". dodaam.com. Archived from the original on 10 July 2011.
  57. ^ "DoDAAM Systems PMA". Archived from the original on 10 July 2011.
  58. ^ "DoDAAM Systems MDAS". dodaam.com. Archived from the original on 10 July 2011.
  59. ^ 도담시스템스 채용은 인크루트 – 인크루트 기업 홈 : 취업포털 인크루트. 인크루트(주).
  60. ^ "DoDAAM Systems IEMMS". dodaam.com. Archived from the original on 10 July 2011.
  61. ^ "Aeromaster ASIP/ENSIP". amc21.co.kr. Archived from the original on 22 July 2011.
  62. ^ a b "T-50 Avionics Embedded Software Development Using Java". Archived from the original on 12 January 2016. Retrieved 9 September 2017.
  63. ^ a b Cohen, Michael. "Philippines confirms T/A-50 purchase"(subscription required). Janes Defence Weekly, Vol 49, Issue 32, 8 August 2012.
  64. ^ "FirsTec T-50 Cockpit Panel". firsteccom.co.kr. Archived from the original on 22 July 2011.
  65. ^ "F-35전투기 조종간 만드는 한국 벤처". 25 March 2010. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 1 July 2019.
  66. ^ "T-50 Components Exhibition". firsteccom.co.kr.
  67. ^ "T-50 Industrial Participants". naver.net.
  68. ^ "Hanwha T-50 flight control system". hanwhacorp.co.kr. Archived from the original on 29 September 2010.
  69. ^ "WIA T-50 undercarriage". wia.co.kr. Archived from the original on 22 July 2011.
  70. ^ "Sniper Targeting Pod for FA-50". bemil.chosun.com.
  71. ^ "Condor 2 Reconnaissance Pod for FA-50". bemil.chosun.com.
  72. ^ "Rafael SPICE 1000 Guided Bomb". bemil.chosun.com.
  73. ^ FA-50 Expanded Weapons and Avionics Archived 12 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine. bemil.chosun.com. Retrieved 5 June 2011.
  74. ^ "AMRAAM and Derby for FA-50". bemil.chosun.com.
  75. ^ "Python 5 and New Weapons Developed by Korea for FA-50". bemil.chosun.com.
  76. ^ "IN FOCUS: South Korea outlines strategy for indigenous fighter". Flight Global. 27 October 2011. Archived from the original on 10 November 2011. Retrieved 22 November 2011.
  77. ^ South Korea plans to arm its FA-50 light combat fighters with new variant of the Taurus missile Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine – Airrecognition.com, 23 October 2015
  78. ^ "MBDA To Show New Munitions in Singapore". Archived from the original on 7 February 2018. Retrieved 7 February 2018.
  79. ^ "Air Force to deploy 20 TA-50 light attack aircraft by next year". Archived from the original on 10 August 2011. Retrieved 23 July 2011.
  80. ^ "The Chosun Ilbo (English Edition): Daily News from Korea – Korea Deploys Home-Grown FA-50 Fighter Jets". Archived from the original on 8 February 2015. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
  81. ^ "South Korean KAI FA-50 successfully test-fired an AGM-65 Maverick guided missile". Archived from the original on 25 September 2015. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  82. ^ "Indonesian air force seeks to revive light attack, trainer procurements" Archived 17 January 2010 at the Wayback Machine. Flightglobal.com, 14 January 2010. Retrieved 26 July 2013.
  83. ^ "Indonesia shortlists T-50 for trainer jet requirement" . Koreatimes.co.kr, 9 August 2010. Retrieved 26 July 2013.
  84. ^ a b "Export T-50 advanced trainer to Indonesia" (Press release). Korea Aerospace Industries, LTD. (KAI). 25 May 2011. Archived from the original on 26 January 2016. Retrieved 20 June 2014.
  85. ^ "Indonesia Orders 16 T-50s From Korea" Archived 3 December 2013 at the Wayback Machine. Aviation Week
  86. ^ Sung-Ki, Jung. "Indonesia To Buy 16 S. Korean T-50 Trainers". Defense News, 26 May 2011. Retrieved 26 July 2013.
  87. ^ a b Waldron. "Indonesia receives first pair of T-50i advanced jet trainers" Archived 3 December 2013 at the Wayback Machine. Flight International, 13 September 2013. Retrieved 30 September 2013.
  88. ^ TNI, PUSPEN TNI, Puspen Mabes. "T-50i Golden Eagle Siap Kawal NKRI – WEBSITE TENTARA NASIONAL INDONESIA". tni.mil.id. Archived from the original on 30 January 2014. Retrieved 27 January 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  89. ^ "Indonesia orders 6 more T-50i Golden Eagle lead-in fighter trainers from South Korea". Asia Pacific Defense Journal. 21 July 2021. Archived from the original on 22 August 2023. Retrieved 12 December 2021.
  90. ^ "Iraq Asks for Korea's T-50 Trainer Jets" Archived 17 March 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Korea Times, 15 March 2009. Retrieved 30 March 2009.
  91. ^ "Iraq's New Trainer-Fighters: FA-50 Bounces the Czech" Archived 3 May 2010 at the Wayback Machine. Defense Industry Daily, 12 December 2013.
  92. ^ a b "S. Korea to export 24 FA-50 light attackers to Iraq" Archived 9 October 2015 at the Wayback Machine
  93. ^ a b "KAI has signed the contract with Iraq for exportin" (Press release). Korea Aerospace Industries, LTD. (KAI). 12 December 2013. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 20 June 2014.
  94. ^ Iraqi air force orders 24 KAI T-50s Archived 15 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine – Flightglobal.com, 12 December 2013
  95. ^ "T-50 Golden Eagles find new roost". timesaerospace.aero. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  96. ^ Iddon, Paul (27 June 2022). "Korean T-50 Jets Could Enhance Iraq's Air Campaign Against ISIS". Forbes. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  97. ^ "Philippines defence budget gets green light"(subscription required). Janes Defence Weekly, 21 September 2012.
  98. ^ "PH to buy 12 S. Korean fighter jets". Agence France-Presse. 30 January 2013. Archived from the original on 31 January 2013. Retrieved 30 January 2013 – via ABS-CBN News.
  99. ^ Ramos, Marlon. "PH buying SK fighter jets". Archived from the original on 18 October 2013. Retrieved 19 October 2013.
  100. ^ "Noy, Park ink pact for P19-B fighter jet acqisition [sic] contract". Daily Tribune. Archived from the original on 21 October 2013. Retrieved 20 October 2013.
  101. ^ "Palace OKs payment scheme for S. Korean fighter jets". The Philippine STAR. Archived from the original on 1 March 2014.
  102. ^ "KAI won a contract to export 12 FA-50s to the Phil" (Press release). Korea Aerospace Industries, LTD. (KAI). 28 March 2014. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2014.
  103. ^ "Korean government to sell 12 FA-50 fighter jets to Philippines". Arirang International Broadcasting. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 28 March 2014.
  104. ^ "Philippines receives first two FA-50s". IHS Jane's 360. 2 December 2015. Archived from the original on 7 October 2016. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
  105. ^ a b Dominguez, Gabriel (1 June 2017). "South Korea's KAI completes deliveries of FA-50PH aircraft to Philippines". IHS Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 2 June 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  106. ^ Santos, Ruben (31 May 2017). "South Korea completes delivery of FA-50PH squadron". Update Philippines. Archived from the original on 2 June 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  107. ^ "philippines eyes bvr upgrades for fa-50". Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 2 January 2015.
  108. ^ "Trends In International Arms Transfers, 2014" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 July 2016. Retrieved 4 August 2016.
  109. ^ "Phl to buy 24 more combat aircraft from South Korea". The Philippine STAR. Archived from the original on 22 March 2015. Retrieved 21 March 2015.
  110. ^ a b "Additional FA-50PH for the Philippine Air Force?". Pitz Defense Analysis. 14 August 2022. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  111. ^ Nepomuceno, Priam (14 June 2022). "Air Force eyes buying more FA-50 aircraft". Philippine News Agency. Archived from the original on 14 June 2022. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  112. ^ "TV Patrol: DND, kinumpirma ang ugnayan ng ISIS at teroristang grupo sa Pilipinas". ABS-CBN News. 26 January 2017. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  113. ^ "Bombs drop on terror groups' lair" Archived 27 January 2017 at the Wayback Machine
  114. ^ "Military resumes airstrikes in Marawi". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on 6 June 2017. Retrieved 9 June 2017.
  115. ^ ABS-CBN News (9 June 2017). "New air strike vs Maute rebels as officials vow to end Marawi siege". Archived from the original on 9 June 2017. Retrieved 9 June 2017.
  116. ^ Dizon, Nikko (12 July 2017). "It was FA-50 jet in 2nd friendly fire incident in Marawi – military source". Archived from the original on 12 July 2017. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  117. ^ "FA-50s now fighting again in Marawi City – Update Philippines". 3 August 2017. Archived from the original on 5 August 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2017.
  118. ^ "Philippines seeks additional FA-50 light attack aircraft from South Korea". Archived from the original on 10 June 2018. Retrieved 8 June 2018.
  119. ^ "Duterte makes turnaround, wants more FA-50 fighters". malaya.com.ph. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 8 June 2018.
  120. ^ Nepomuceno, Priam (14 June 2022). "Air Force eyes buying more FA-50 aircraft". Philippine News Agency. Archived from the original on 14 June 2022. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
  121. ^ "Bombs rain on ASG lair; 8 die". Manila Standard.
  122. ^ "Philippine Air Force holds missile live fire exercise". Archived from the original on 6 February 2021. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  123. ^ "Bodies of 3 NPA guerrillas killed in aerial bombing in Sultan Kudarat recovered". mindanews.com. 26 December 2020.
  124. ^ Nepomuceno, Priam (26 April 2023). "Balikatan live-fire drill participants sink retired WWII corvette". Philippine News Agency. Archived from the original on 5 June 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  125. ^ "Gov't to export four T-50 training jets to Thailand". Korea JoongAng Daily. 17 September 2015. Archived from the original on 4 August 2016. Retrieved 27 June 2016.
  126. ^ "KAI added 8 T-50s to Thailand". The Seoul Economic Daily [ko]. 30 July 2017. Archived from the original on 30 July 2017. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
  127. ^ "KAI will export T-50s to Thailand". The Korea Times. 17 September 2015. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 30 November 2015.
  128. ^ "KAI scores additional Thai T-50 orders for $258M". Archived from the original on 14 July 2017. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  129. ^ Waldron, Greg. "Thailand orders eight additional T-50TH trainers" Archived 12 July 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Flight Global, 12 July 2017.
  130. ^ "Delivery of T-50TH trainer jets to Thailand begins". Seoul. Yonhap News Agency. 8 January 2018. Archived from the original on 11 January 2018. Retrieved 11 January 2018.
  131. ^ "Poland to buy jets, tanks and howitzers from South Korea, says minister". Reuters. 22 July 2022.
  132. ^ "(LEAD) KAI signs US$3 bln deal with Poland to export 48 FA-50s". Yonhap News Agency. 28 July 2022.
  133. ^ "Poland to Buy 1,000 MBTs. Minister Błaszczak Also Outlines a Plan To Procure Extra F-35s or F-15s [INTERVIEW]". defence24.com. 27 July 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  134. ^ Donald, David (27 July 2022). "Poland Turns To South Korea's FA-50 Fighter/Attack Jet | AIN". Aviation International News. Archived from the original on 8 August 2022. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
  135. ^ Kadidal, Akhil (24 February 2023). "KAI signs a deal with Malaysia for FA-50 aircraft". www.janes.com. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  136. ^ a b "TUDM chooses FA-50". Scramble.nl. 24 February 2023. Archived from the original on 22 August 2023. Retrieved 5 March 2023.
  137. ^ Waldron, Greg (24 February 2023). "FA-50 wins Malaysia's light combat aircraft competition". Flight Global. Archived from the original on 24 February 2023. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  138. ^ GASTÓN DUBOIS (23 May 2023). "Malaysia signed purchase contract for 18 Korean FA-50 light fighters". Aviacionline. Archived from the original on 26 May 2023. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
  139. ^ Akhil Kadidal (23 May 2023). "LIMA 2023: KAI says Malaysia keen to order 18 additional FA-50s". Janes Information Services. Archived from the original on 26 May 2023. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
  140. ^ "Azerbaijan intends to purchase weapons and military equipment from South Korea" Archived 29 September 2013 at the Wayback Machine. Armyrecognition.com, 29 August 2013
  141. ^ "Bolivia Air Force is looking for fighter jets". 29 May 2021.
  142. ^ Binnie, Jeremy (23 August 2017). "Details of Botswana FA-50 bid emerge". IHS Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 23 August 2017. Retrieved 23 August 2017.
  143. ^ "ASEAN leaders show interest in Korean fighter plane :: KOREA.NET Mobile Site". Archived from the original on 8 June 2015.
  144. ^ "Colombia chooses South Korea's TA-50, FA-50 as next jet trainers, officials say". 29 April 2022.
  145. ^ "Fuerza Aérea de Colombia niega negociación para compra de aviones coreanos". W Radio. 26 April 2022.
  146. ^ "Ratno zrakoplovstvo dobilo novu ponudu" [Air Force Received a New Proposal]. Večernji list (in Croatian). 15 May 2015. Archived from the original on 12 January 2016. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
  147. ^ Adamowski, Jaroslaw (4 October 2017). "4 nations bid for Croatian fighter jet deal; F-16 and Gripen under consideration". Warsaw: Defense News. Archived from the original on 23 November 2017. Retrieved 23 November 2017.
  148. ^ "Pakistan Eyes T-50 as Trainer Option". Defense News. 25 May 2017.
  149. ^ Seoul's vice defense chief to visit Colombia, Peru this week Archived 3 February 2015 at the Wayback Machine Yonhap News Agency
  150. ^ "[단독] 중남미도 K-방산…"7월 초 페루 양해각서"". 23 June 2024.
  151. ^ "Senegal to acquire FA-50 light combat aircraft from South Korea". 29 January 2024.
  152. ^ "Account Suspended". aviaciontotal.cl. Archived from the original on 14 May 2011.
  153. ^ "Korea, Spain to negotiate aircraft swap contract". 12 November 2018. Archived from the original on 27 November 2018. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  154. ^ "(LEAD) S. Korea, Spain to negotiate aircraft swap contract". 12 November 2018. Archived from the original on 21 November 2018. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  155. ^ 강, 윤승 (3 November 2021). "S. Korea eyes exports of FA-50 fighters to Slovakia". Yonhap News Agency. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  156. ^ UAE chooses M-346 as advanced lead-in fighter trainer Archived 28 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Flightglobal.com. Retrieved 5 June 2011.
  157. ^ "UAE Reopens Talks To Buy T-50 Trainer". Defense News,
  158. ^ "Lee's UAE trip raises hopes for first sale of T-50s". 2 March 2011. Archived from the original on 5 March 2011. Retrieved 23 July 2011.
  159. ^ a b c d "Lockheed Martin, Korea Aerospace Industries & Red 6 Announce Initial Augmented Reality Integration Work For T-50 Platform". Lockheed Martin. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  160. ^ Tegler, Jan. "US Navy could begin replacing some T-45 jet trainers by 2026". FlightGlobal.
  161. ^ a b Everstine, Brian. "U.S. Navy Is Steaming Ahead On A New Trainer". Aviation Week.
  162. ^ a b c "TF-50 Trainer Jet: The Future of Fighter Pilot Training".
  163. ^ "Vietnam wants Western warplanes to counter China". Business Insider. Archived from the original on 9 June 2015. Retrieved 10 June 2015.
  164. ^ Gareth Jennings (12 September 2016). "Argentina evaluates Korean FA-50 fighter". IHS Jane's Defence Weekly. Archived from the original on 25 October 2016. Retrieved 10 November 2016.
  165. ^ [단독]KAI, 12월 아르헨과 6천억대 FA-50 수출 계약..차환 제공 방식. MSN. Archived from the original on 2 October 2017. Retrieved 9 October 2017.
  166. ^ "Argentina plans to purchase FA-50 Fighting Eagle aircraft". 22 July 2019. Retrieved 5 September 2019.
  167. ^ David, Axe (13 August 2019). "Why Argentina Is Getting South Korea's Awesome FA-50 Fighter". the National Interest. Retrieved 5 September 2019.
  168. ^ "Argentina denuncia el bloqueo británico para la adquisición de diez aviones KAI FA-50" (in Spanish). infodefensa.com. 30 October 2020.
  169. ^ "KAI steps up T-50 pitch to Israel". 6 May 2011. Archived from the original on 12 January 2016. Retrieved 26 November 2011.
  170. ^ Arie Egozi. "Israel selects Alenia Aermacchi M-346 for trainer deal". Flightglobal. Archived from the original on 19 February 2012. Retrieved 17 February 2012.
  171. ^ Katz, Yaakov (16 February 2012). "Italy wins IAF with combat trainer jet bid". The Jerusalem Post. Archived from the original on 17 February 2012. Retrieved 17 February 2012.
  172. ^ "South Korea's Black Eagles to fly KAI T-50" Archived 11 August 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Flightglobal.com, 19 March 2008.
  173. ^ Alenia Aermacchi's M-346 wins Singapore jet trainer race. Janes.com (7 December 2010). Retrieved 5 June 2011.
  174. ^ "空軍高級教練機轉自製 美、義爭與台廠合作拚690億商機-風傳媒". 20 July 2015. Archived from the original on 29 December 2017. Retrieved 22 July 2015.
  175. ^ "'Blue Magpie' program to be inked today". 7 February 2017. Archived from the original on 27 July 2018. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
  176. ^ Jeong Yong-soo, Nam Koong-wook. "Contractor is nabbed for ripping off the military" Archived 19 April 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Korea JoongAng Daily, 16 April 2011.
  177. ^ "Lockheed-KAI consortium fails to win US jet contract". The Korea Times. 28 September 2018. Archived from the original on 29 September 2018. Retrieved 29 September 2018.
  178. ^ "KAI to lease trainer jets to US despite losing contract to Boeing". The Korea Herald. 23 March 2020.
  179. ^ Byung-wook, Tim (6 October 2020). "KAI's trainer jet exports to US fumbled by coronavirus". The Korea Herald. Retrieved 13 December 2020.
  180. ^ "Negative signs involving KFX, T-50 projects: The DONG-A ILBO". Archived from the original on 27 October 2015. Retrieved 26 October 2015.
  181. ^ "US Stops Export of Korean Fighter Jets to Uzbekistan" Archived 19 January 2017 at the Wayback Machine. The Diplomat, 27 October 2015.
  182. ^ "T-50 우즈베크 수출, 美 정부 반대 '무산 위기'". Korea Broadcasting System. 24 October 2015.
  183. ^ a b c d "T-50 Family". KAI. Archived from the original on 19 July 2012. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  184. ^ "Lockheed Martin Publication" Archived 12 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Code One Magazine
  185. ^ "KAI makes first delivery of its indigenous FA-50PH" Archived 23 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine. KAI Press Release, 27 November 2015.
  186. ^ "KAI Developing Smarter FA-50 Golden Eagle". Ainonline. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
  187. ^ "KAI to modify FA-50 with Cobham refuelling probe". FlightGlobal. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
  188. ^ "ADEX 2021: KAI reveals more details about FA-50 upgrade plans". Janes. 19 October 2021. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
  189. ^ "KJCLUB". Archived from the original on 23 April 2016.
  190. ^ "KAI to invest in single-seat FA-50, advanced air mobility".
  191. ^ "Fighter / Surface Attack Aircraft / Lead-in Fighter Trainer Acquisition Project (Phase 1) of the Philippine Air Force". Philippine Defense Resource. 26 December 2020. Retrieved 27 December 2020.
  192. ^ a b c "KAI Unveils First 'Gap-Filler' Light Fighter for Poland". AINonline. 11 March 2023. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  193. ^ "KAI finalizes fighter jet deal with Malaysia". Korea JoongAng Daily. 25 May 2023. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
  194. ^ "KAI will export T-50s to Thailand". 17 September 2015. Archived from the original on 19 September 2015. Retrieved 10 November 2016.
  195. ^ "กองทัพอากาศสรุปการจัดหา T-50TH เพิ่ม 2 ลำ ล็อตสุดท้าย". 14 July 2015.
  196. ^ "Thailand to Buy T-50TH Aircraft with ELTA Radars". 13 July 2017.
  197. ^ "Lockheed Martin presents T-50A". 11 February 2016. Archived from the original on 12 February 2016. Retrieved 12 February 2016.
  198. ^ Pertahanan Kemhan RI, Badan Sarana (9 November 2018). "Penandatanganan Kontrak Kerjasama Kemhan dengan KAI" [The signing of the Cooperation Contract between the Ministry of Defense and KAI]. www.kemhan.go.id (in Indonesian). Retrieved 18 June 2023.
  199. ^ "upgrade work involving the installation of radars and guns on the existing TNI-AU stock of T-50i Golden Eagle trainers". 8 November 2018.
  200. ^ "Indonesia: Investigation under way after Air Force training aircraft skids off runway in East Java". The Star. 11 August 2020.
  201. ^ "Indonesia Ordered Six T-50 Advanced Training Aircraft". Global Defense Corp. 25 July 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  202. ^ "Korea Aerospace wins US$240 mln trainer jet deal in Indonesia". Yonhap News Agency. 20 July 2021.
  203. ^ Jennings, Gareth (29 November 2019). "Iraq receives final T-50IQ light fighter and trainer aircraft". IHS Jane's 360. Retrieved 15 December 2019.
  204. ^ "Domestic light aircraft FA-50, delivered to the Air Force this month / 예천 비행단 무장훈련용으로 TA-50 22대 전력화(TA-50 powering 22 units for Yecheon Wing Armament training)". Archived from the original on 20 April 2016. Retrieved 10 December 2014.
  205. ^ "Domestic light aircraft FA-50, delivered to the Air Force this month". Archived from the original on 27 December 2016. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
  206. ^ "Thailand's Air Force Commissions First Four T-50TH Supersonic Advanced Trainers". Defense World. 4 April 2018. Archived from the original on 30 November 2020.
  207. ^ Hoyle2012-11-15T12:02:00+00:00, Craig. "South Korean display team pilot killed in T-50B crash". Flight Global. Retrieved 5 July 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  208. ^ "Attrition: For Want Of A Wire". www.strategypage.com. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
  209. ^ "Fighter jet crashes at Indonesian air show". 20 December 2015. Archived from the original on 20 December 2015. Retrieved 20 December 2015.
  210. ^ Prima Gumilang (12 February 2016). "Defense: T-50i fighter jet falls due to human technical error". CNN Indonesia Jumat. Archived from the original on 8 September 2017. Retrieved 12 July 2017.
  211. ^ "T-50 Runway Excursion in Changi Airport" (PDF). mot.gov.sg. 6 February 2018. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  212. ^ hermesauto (6 February 2018). "Singapore Airshow 2018: Single-seater aircraft involved in accident; pilot escapes with minor injuries". The Straits Times. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
  213. ^ Moch. Fiqih Prawira Adjie. Air Force confirms death of pilot after plane skids off runway The Jakarta Post. September 3, 2020
  214. ^ "Pilot Killed After Indonesian Military Jet Crashes During Training Mission". Bloomberg News. 19 July 2022.
  215. ^ "T-50 Advanced Jet Trainer". Korea Aerospace Industries. Archived from the original on 31 July 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  216. ^ a b c d e f "FA-50 Fighter Jet". Korea Aerospace Industries. Archived from the original on 16 September 2023. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
  217. ^ a b c "FA-50, 대한민국에서 만든 최초의 경공격기". Korea Aerospace Industries. 2 February 2013. Archived from the original on 27 August 2022. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  218. ^ "T-50 MULTIROLE TRAINER". Lockheed Martin. Archived from the original on 16 June 2012. Retrieved 16 June 2012.
  219. ^ "T-50 Aircraft Completes Aerial Gunfire Testing". Aero-News Network, aero-news.net.
  220. ^ a b c "FA-50-". Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
  221. ^ "Korean Guided GPS Bomb kit(KGGB)". Agency for Defense Development. Archived from the original on 21 May 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  222. ^ "MBDA's SPEAR, ASRAAM and Brimstone to be Armed on Korean KF-21, FA-50 Jets".
  223. ^ "German IRIS-T air-to-air missile to be integrated into Korean FA-50 and KF-21 Boramae fighters". 19 February 2024.
  224. ^ "Taurus seeks to supply mid-range missiles on Korea's FA-50". 23 October 2015. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 4 December 2015.
  225. ^ "South Korea plans to arm its FA-50 light combat fighters with new variant of the Taurus missile". Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
  226. ^ "LIG넥스원, FA-50에 적용 가능한 AESA 레이더 선보인다". LIG Nex1. 2 May 2022. Archived from the original on 14 May 2023. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  227. ^ "TA-50 Lead-in Fighter Trainer". Korea Aerospace Industries. Archived from the original on 4 April 2024. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
  228. ^ "T-50B Acrobatic Demonstrator". Korea Aerospace Industries. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Korea Aerospace Industries T-50 Golden Eagle.
External videos
From "Lastochka" to "Fighting Eagle"
video icon "FA-50 aircraft will strengthen the capabilities of the Air Force" on Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej Official YouTube Channel on YouTube
video icon "Solo in FA-50" on Polska Zbrojna Official YouTube Channel on YouTube
video icon "The twelve newest planes" on Polska Zbrojna Official YouTube Channel on YouTube
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=KAI_T-50_Golden_Eagle&oldid=1256263691"