JoongAng Dail August 31, 2005
A giant step for aerospace industry
By Yoon Chang-hee
August 31, 2005 ? In the midst of ongoing extensive air power enhancements in China and Japan, the Korean aerospace industry took a giant step yesterday, rolling out its first supersonic trainer jet at a ceremony attended by numerous dignitaries, including President Roh Moo-hyun.
The T-50 Golden Eagle is expected to provide a tremendous boost to the training of Republic of Korea Air Force pilots. So far, pilots have trained mostly in retrograde F-4s and F-5s, despite expecting a fresh shipment of F-15Ks in the next few years.
The T-50 was manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd., with technical assistance from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. of the United States. The two companies invested a combined 6.4 trillion won ($6.2 billion) during eight years of research.
According to the security information Web site GlobalSecurity.org, the T-50 is an "advanced jet trainer for tomorrow's fighter pilot." It is also reportedly the only advanced trainer for future generation fighter planes, such as the F-22 and the Joint Strike Fighter, both of which are rumored to be under consideration for acquisition by the Korean Air Force.
"Air attack capabilities are not only effective deterrents but a core military strength in modern warfare," said Mr. Roh at the ceremony in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang province. "With the introduction of more next-generation fighters in the future, our Air Force will become a high-tech military power."
Korea Aerospace Industries has said it plans to produce more than 50 T-50s over the next five years to export to Europe and the Middle East. So far, Brazil and Greece are rumored to be in talks to buy the Korean-made planes.
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