Lockheed Martin,
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: The T-50 Golden Eagle advanced jet trainer made its international aerial debut showcasing its supersonic capabilities and technological advances today at the Dubai International Air Show. Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) is the prime contractor for the F-50 program, and Lockheed Martin is principal subcontractor.
“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 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.”
Noted for its maneuverability, versatility and ease of operation, the T-50 is an economical solution to prepare pilots to fly current 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. 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 observing it for the first time at this show.
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Background Information and Notes:
Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) 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 helicopters, UAVs, aerostructures and KOMPSAT satellite program.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin Corp. employs about 135,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2004 sales of $35.5 billion.
