KAI T-50 / FA-50 Golden Eagle

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The T-50 / A-50 "Golden Eagle" is an advanced supersonic trainer and light strike-capable aircraft platform produced jointly by the South Korean firm of Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) and the American firm of Lockheed Martin. The resulting design is a highly modified derivative of the Lockheed Martin (formerly General Dynamics) F-16 "Fighting Falcon", of which KAI license-builds as the "KF-16" (the wing shape and single rudder design are apparent). The Golden Eagle twin-seat trainer has been procured in limited numbers with the South Korean Air Force.

The T-50 family was developed to replace a slew of active, though aging, platforms for the South Korean Air Force. More importantly, the involvement by Lockheed Martin ensured that the American company would assist in developing a next-generation advanced trainer capable of instructing a new crop of fighter pilots - particularly those that may end up in the cockpits of the Lockheed F-22 Raptor, Lockheed F-35 Lightning II, French Dassault Rafale and the European consortium Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. Much like the F-16 Fighting Falcon before it, the T-50 features a large glass canopy (the pilots seated in tandem), a single large-area vertical tail fin and a single turbofan powerplant in the General Electric F404 series. The system's developmental funding was split between the two participating firms with the government of South Korea taking on all remaining costs. The prototype recorded its first flight on August 20th, 2002. Prior to, the entire F-50 program suffered through financial setbacks before coming back on track. The T-50 was formally introduced into service on February 22nd, 2002. It has since been adopted by the Indonesian Air Force as well beginning in 2013 (16 aircraft - 12 T-50s and 4 x TA-50s). Production of T-50 aircraft began in 2001 and is ongoing as of this writing (2013). South Korea manages a stable of 102 aircraft made up of 50 x T-50s, 10 x T-50Bs, 22 x TA-50s and 20 x FA-50 (the latter on order as of 2013).

Initial evaluations during development saw the aircraft exceed Mach 1.0 though the design was initially estimated to achieve speeds of up to Mach 1.5. The engine provides full afterburning capabilities which supply short bursts of speed to the aircraft - maximum speed being 1,100 miles per hour at 10,000 feet. Operational range is 1,150 miles with a service ceiling of 48,000 feet. Triple-redundant, digital fly-by-wire technology is utilized for precision handling with dual controls available through both cockpits (as the T-50 can be utilized as an attack airframe or advanced trainer). The primary pilot/student resides in the front cockpit with the co-pilot/instructor in the rear. Avionics includes AN/APG-67 pulse Doppler radar (in the T-50) and EL/M-2032 advanced pulse Doppler Fire Control Radar (for the TA-50 and FA-50 marks).

The "Golden Eagle" is marketed as an advanced trainer under the designation of T-50, as a "fighter lead-in" platform under the TA-50 designation and as a light strike-capable variant under the FA-50 designation. These aircraft differ from one another mostly in the types of internal systems installed to achieve the desired mission role. The trainer does not mount the internal cannon nor advanced radar while the FA-50 is designed for day-and-night operations. The TA-50 is an in-between design combining the applications of both aircraft. All variants feature seating for two. The T-50B is a highly-specialized, high performance aerobatic demonstrator developed exclusively for the eight-aircraft-strong South Korean "Black Eagles" 53rd Air Demonstration Group.

In the armed strike role, the Golden Eagle can be outfitted with various conventional munitions to suit mission requirements. A standard internal 20mm General Dynamics A-50 gatling gun (a three-barreled version of the M61 Vulcan) is provided for close-in work as are rail-launchers along each wingtip for the AIM-9 Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missile. Additionally, the aircraft can field a variety of underwing ordnance as well as external fuel tanks. Ordnance options include air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles (including the AGM-65 Maverick), unguided rocket pods, general purpose drop bombs, cluster bombs and precision-guided drop bombs.

South Korea failed to interest both Singapore and Israel in their T-50 mount. Possible sales are noted to the Botswana, Chile and the Philippines. ©MilitaryFactory.com

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May 2013 - It was announced that South Korea will procure an additional 40 TA-50 strike aircraft. The added production will allow an extended lease on life for the T-50 series as a whole, ensuring production lines remain open until 2016. The T-50 is in play for the USAF T-X program, the branch's search to find its new advanced trainer.

January 2014 - The Iraqi Air Force has elected to procure the KAI T-50 as light attack fighters in a 24-strong order. Deliveries are expected to begin in April of 2016 and end by 2017. The Iraqi model in question will follow the FA-50 design and its multi-role qualities while flying under the local "T-50IQ" designation for the IAF.

November 2015 - First deliveries to the Philippines were in November of 2015, these brought to the 7th Tactical Fighter Squadron.

February 2016 - Lockheed Martin will propose a modernized T-50A for the United States Air Force's K-X advanced trainer competition. Two T-50A aircraft will be submitted for consideration.

Thailand has ordered four T-50TH advanced trainers for delivery in 2018.

December 2015 - The T-X prototype for the USAF competition was unveiled on December 17th, 2015. An aerial refueling capability has been added (which has resulted in a dorsal "hump") as has a large-area display in the cockpit (replacing the original five-screen arrangement). Initial testing is set to begin in 2016 with flight testing to start sometime in 2017.

July 2017 - The government of Thailand has announced a follow-up order for eight additional KAI T-50 aircraft.

April 2018 - Thailand has received its first of four T-50TH model advanced jet trainers for its Royal Thai Air Force.

July 2019 - The KAI FA-50 and Leonardo M-346FA are in the running to succeed the Argentine Air Force's aging fleet of A-4AR "Fightinghawk" fighters. Eight to ten aircraft are sought in the deal.

September 2019 - The Argentine government has currently (indefinitely) shelved the prospect of a T-50 purchase.

November 2019 - KAI is scheduled to deliver up to eight T-50 Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft to Thailand in 2020.

June 2020 - South Korea has committed to an order for twenty additional TA-50 fighter-trainers.

August 2020 - South Korea is proposing its T-50 Advanced Jet Trainer for a standing Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) requirement. Up to four defense players are in the running as the service intends to replace an aging fleet of BAe Hawk aircraft (Hawk Mk.127) in same role.

October 2020 - Britain's ongoing arms embargo against Argentina has ended any hope for the FA-50 coming to the Argentine Air Force.

February 2021 - South Korean FA-50 light attackers will soon be cleared to carry the Lockheed Martin "Sniper" Advanced Targeting Pod.

July 2021 - Indonesia has committed to the purchase of an additional six T-50i Advanced Jet Trainers from KAI.

August 2021 - KAI has received a second T-50 order from the nation of Thailand. This add-on will cover a pair of T-50TH fighter-trainers with deliveries to be had before the end of 2023.

November 2021 - KAI has netted a $360 million USD maintenance package with the nation of Iraq to support its T-50IQ fleet.

November 2021 - KAI will be championing its FA-50 to potential export partner Slovakia who seeks a new, all-modern Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT).

July 2022 - Poland has committed to the purchase of 48 FA-50 light strike aircraft from KAI.

September 2022 - Poland has officially signed its deal for 48 FA-50PL variant aircraft from KAI as it continues its Western-centric modernization of its air force.

February 2023 - The FA-50 was announced as the winner of Malaysia's standing Advanced Jet Trainer / Light Combat Aircraft requirement.

Specifications

Service Year

2005

Origin

South Korea

Status

ACTIVE
In Active Service.

Crew

Production

218
UNITS

Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) - South Korea / Lockheed Martin - USA

(View other Aviaton-Related Manufacturers)

Indonesia; Iraq; Malaysia (announced); Philippines; Poland (signed); South Korea; Thailand

(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)

✓ Close-Air Support (CAS)
Developed to operate in close proximity to active ground elements by way of a broad array of air-to-ground ordnance and munitions options.

✓ Training (General)
Developed ability to be used as a dedicated trainer for student pilots (typically under the supervision of an instructor).

RADAR-CAPABLE

Houses, or can house (through specialized variants), radar equipment for searching, tracking, and engagement of enemy elements.

COUNTERMEASURES

Survivability enhanced by way of onboard electronic or physical countermeasures enacted by the aircraft or pilot/crew.

WING SWEEPBACK

Mainplanes, or leading edges, features swept-back lines for enhanced high-speed performance and handling.

RUGGED AIRFRAME

Inherent ability of airframe to take considerable damage.

HIGH-SPEED PERFORMANCE

Can accelerate to higher speeds than average aircraft of its time.

HIGH-ALTITUDE PERFORMANCE

Can reach and operate at higher altitudes than average aircraft of its time.

EXTENDED RANGE PERFORMANCE

Capability to travel considerable distances through onboard fuel stores.

SUPER PERFORMANCE

Design covers the three all-important performance categories of speed, altitude, and range.

MARITIME OPERATION

Ability to operate over ocean in addition to surviving the special rigors of the maritime environment.

PILOT / CREW EJECTION SYSTEM

Assisted process of allowing its pilot and / or crew to eject in the event of an airborne emergency.

CREWSPACE PRESSURIZATION

Supports pressurization required at higher operating altitudes for crew survival.

CREW-MANAGED

Beyond a pilot, the aircraft takes advantage of additional crew specialized in specific functions aboard the aircraft.

ENCLOSED CREWSPACE(S)

Features partially- or wholly-enclosed crew workspaces.

RETRACTABLE UNDERCARRIAGE

Features retracting / retractable undercarriage to preserve aerodynamic efficiency.

Length

42.6 ft
(12.98 m)

Width/Span

30.1 ft
(9.17 m)

Height

15.7 ft
(4.78 m)

Empty Wgt

14,200 lb
(6,441 kg)

MTOW

26,422 lb
(11,985 kg)

Wgt Diff

+12,222 lb
(+5,544 kg)

(Showcased structural values pertain to the KAI T-50 Golden Eagle production variant)

monoplane / mid-mounted / swept-back

Monoplane
Design utilizes a single primary wing mainplane; this represent the most popular mainplane arrangement.

Mid-Mounted
Mainplanes are mounted along the midway point of the sides of the fuselage.

Swept-Back
The planform features wing sweep back along the leading edges of the mainplane, promoting higher operating speeds.

(Structural descriptors pertain to the KAI T-50 Golden Eagle production variant)

Installed: 1 x General Electric F404-102 afterburning turbofan engine developing 17,700 lb of thrust with reheat.

Max Speed

990 mph
(1,593 kph | 860 kts)

Ceiling

47,999 ft
(14,630 m | 9 mi)

Range

1,150 mi
(1,851 km | 3,428 nm)

♦ MACH Regime (Sonic)

Sub

Trans

Super

Hyper

HiHyper

ReEntry

♦

(Showcased performance specifications pertain to the KAI T-50 Golden Eagle production variant. Performance specifications showcased above are subject to environmental factors as well as aircraft configuration. Estimates are made when Real Data not available. Compare this aircraft entry against any other in our database or View aircraft by powerplant type)

STANDARD:
1 x 20mm General Dynamics A-50 "Vulcan" Gatling-style three-barrel automatic internal cannon.
2 x AIM-9 "Sidewinder" air-to-air missiles (wingtip mounts).

OPTIONAL:
6 x AGM-65 Maverick air-to-surface missiles.
CBU-58 Cluster Bombs.
Mk-20 Cluster Bombs.
LAU-3 Rocket Pods.
LAU-68 Rocket Pods.
Mk 82 General Purpose Bombs.
Mk 83 General Purpose Bombs.
Mk 84 General Purpose Bombs.
Guided Drop Bombs.

Supported Types

Graphical image of an aircraft automatic cannon

Graphical image of an aircraft Gatling-style rotating gun

Graphical image of an air-to-air missile weapon

Graphical image of a short-range air-to-air missile

Graphical image of an aircraft air-to-surface missile

Graphical image of aircraft aerial rockets

Graphical image of an aircraft rocket pod

Graphical image of an aircraft conventional drop bomb munition

(Not all ordnance types may be represented in the showcase above)

Hardpoint Mountings: 7 (including wingtips)

Mounting Points

HARDPOINT(S) KEY:

COLOR KEY:

Fuselage Centerline

Fuselage Port/Wingroot

Fuselage Starboard/Wingroot

Wing/Underwing

Wingtip Mount(s)

Internal Bay(s)

Not Used

Note: Diagram above does not take into account inline hardpoints (mounting positions seated one-behind-the-other).

T-50 - Advanced Jet Trainer Designation; sans internal gun and radar system.

T-50B - Designation reserved for the acrobatic mount of the Black Eagles team.

TA-50 - "Fighter Lead-In" Attack Designation; internal 20mm cannon; air-to-air missile capability; external drop bomb capability; APG-67 radar.

FA-50 - Light Attack Multi-Role Model; Day/Night Mission Capability; RWR, CMDS, FLIR an Tactical Data Link.

T-50A MDS - Reserved U.S. Military Designation for advanced trainer competition; not selected.

A-50 - Original designation of the FA-50.

T-50TH - Royal Thai Air Force export model.

General Assessment

Firepower

Performance

Survivability

Versatility

Impact

Values are derrived from a variety of categories related to the design, overall function, and historical influence of this aircraft in aviation history.

Overall Rating

The overall rating takes into account over 60 individual factors related to this aircraft entry.

Rating is out of a possible 100 points.

Relative Maximum Speed

Hi: 1000mph

Lo: 500mph

This entry's maximum listed speed (990mph).

Graph average of 750 miles-per-hour.

City-to-City Ranges

NYC

LON

PAR

BER

MOS

TOK

SYD

LAX

NYC

KAI T-50 Golden Eagle operational range when compared to distances between major cities (in KM).

Max Altitude Visualization

Design Balance

The three qualities reflected above are altitude, speed, and range.

Aviation Era Span

Showcasing era cross-over of this aircraft design.

Unit Production (218)

218

36183

44000

Compared against Ilyushin IL-2 (military) and Cessna 172 (civilian).

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Military lapel ribbon for the Golden Age of Flight

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Military lapel ribbon for the Indo-Pak Wars

Military lapel ribbon for the Iran-Iraq War

Military lapel ribbon for the Korean War

Military lapel ribbon for the 1982 Lebanon War

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Military lapel ribbon for the Suez Crisis

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Military lapel ribbon for the Vietnam War

Military lapel ribbon for Warsaw Pact of the Cold War-era

Military lapel ribbon for the WASP (WW2)

Military lapel ribbon for the World War 1

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Military lapel ribbon for the Yom Kippur War

Military lapel ribbon for experimental x-plane aircraft

Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective aerial campaigns / operations / aviation periods.

Images Gallery

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Image of the KAI T-50 / FA-50 Golden Eagle

Image released to the public by way of the US DoD DVIDS image database.

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KAI T-50 / FA-50 Golden Eagle

Advanced Jet Trainer / Light Attack Aircraft [ 2005 ]

The KAI T-50 Golden Eagle of South Korea is an advanced supersonic jet trainer that can double as a light attack strike fighter if needed.

Specifications

Images Gallery