Posted on 02/01/2011 9:52:37 PM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) rolled out its first T/A-50 lead-in fighter trainer on 24 January and has told Jane's that it expects the platform to compete for export deals as it responds to shifting international requirements.
The Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) has ordered 22 T/A-50s, with deliveries starting next month and to be completed by 2012, KAI said.
The aircraft will supplement the T-50 Golden Eagle advanced jet trainer (AJT), more than 50 of which have been inducted by the RoKAF, although requirements for additional AJT platforms exist. The T/A-50 is the same baseline version as the T-50 with added fire-control radar, weapon delivery software, wingtip missile launch rails and an internal 20 mm gun.
The RoKAF will use the new T/A-50 as a "tactical training aircraft for air-to-air and air-to-ground strike missions for pilots prior to their final qualification", a KAI spokesman said.
(Excerpt) Read more at janes.com ...
It looks kinda like a cross between the F-16 and the F-20.
Wonder how it stacks up against North Korea’s 35 Fulcrums.
Nice little jet.
Tigershark Ping !
Its a KIA!
Or a Hundai.
Considering that these are trainers with light attack capability, I doubt that they’ll be put in a mission to engage MiG-29s, unless the MiGs are on the ground. However, the RoKAF has F-15s and F-16s that would likely handle the 35 Fulcrums.
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