Next-generation advanced trainer projects are attracting the attention
of several aerospace manufacturers worldwide. While theirs are
mostly still on paper, in the computer, or in the initial construction
stage, Korea Aerospace Industries and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
are well ahead of the game. Two of four planned T-50 Golden Eagle
Mach 1.5 trainer/light ground-attack prototypes have been flying
since August 20, 2002, and are now well advanced in their 1,100
hour flight-development program. Two structural ground test T-50s
have also been built, on which static fatigue trials began in
January 2002.
As principal sub-contractor to KAI, Lockheed Martin is providing
technical expertise in all aspects of the $2 billion program,
and is developing and supplying T-50 avionics, full-authority
digital flight-control system and wings. U.S. subsystems also
include the General Electric F404-102 afterburning turbofan, color
cockpit displays, and advanced avionics and processors. Lockheed
Martin is contributing 13% of the overall $2 billion or so of
T-50 development costs, compared with 17% from KAI, and the remaining
70% by the Republic of Korea government.
On November 8, 2002, Republic of Korea air force project pilot
Lt. Col. Cho Gwang-Je also made the initial 47-minute flight of
the second prototype from KAI's Sachon facility. By February 19,
when it achieved Mach 1.05 on its first transonic flight, the
first prototype had completed 41 sorties, during which it had
also reached its design service ceiling of 40,000 ft. Discussing
the first transonic flight, pilot Major Choong Hwan Lee said:
"I was able to hold the target speed of Mach 1.05 with plenty
of excess power available, so I've no doubt this aircraft will
be able to achieve its maximum Mach 1.5 design speed."
Final assembly of the third flight-test aircraft was completed
last October, to fly this year. This and the fourth flight prototype
will be in lead-in fighter trainer (LIFT) configuration, with
a GE APG-67 multimode radar, 20 mm internal cannon, and other
armament. Initial RoKAF procurement is currently planned at 50
unarmed advanced jet-trainer (AJT) T-50 versions of the Golden
Eagle and 44 AT-50 armed LIFT variants, between 2006-2011, to
replace about the same number of Northrop T-38s and F-5B/Fs.
Studies are also being made by KAI of a dedicated A-50 light ground-attack
version of the LIFT, with its original mission systems enhanced
by more advanced radar, an electronic warfare suite including
ECM, RWR, and chaff/flare dispensers. The last 22 of the RoKAF's
LIFTs may be upgraded to A-50 standards. Also in prospect is even
further development, with apparent Korean air force support, of
a single-seat F-50 lightweight multirole combat version with more
advanced radar and mission systems.
Initial joint marketing by Lockheed Martin and KAI will directed
towards advanced and lead-in trainer replacements, possibly totaling
about 200 for the RoKAF alone. Target flyaway unit cost is $20
to $22 million, Potential export markets are estimated at up to
800 aircraft or more, for which the T-50 is poised and well placed
to make the initial assault.
