SI VIS PACEM, PARA BELLUM: Il KAI T-50 Golden Eagle (골든이글): le autorità britanniche avrebbero fatto pressioni per non consentire la vendita dell'FA-50 Fighting Eagle all’Aeronautica Argentina

Le autorità britanniche avrebbero fatto pressioni per non consentire la vendita dell'FA-50 Fighting Eagle all’Aeronautica Argentina; il produttore sudcoreano ha confermato alla nazione sudamericana che non è in grado di fornire il caccia leggero e il jet d'attacco che utilizza alcune parti di fabbricazione britannica.

L'FA-50 sudcoreano è finito nelle maglie dell’embargo sulle armi del Regno Unito nei confronti dell'Argentina, e il suo produttore KAI ha informato la nazione sudamericana che le parti di fabbricazione britannica dell'aereo significano che non può essere venduto come richiesto.

In una lettera datata 28 ottobre, un alto funzionario della Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) ha ribadito all'ambasciatore dell'Argentina nella Repubblica di Corea che l'FA-50 non può essere esportato a causa dell'embargo sulle armi del governo britannico nei confronti del paese: l'FA-50 utilizza sei componenti principali provenienti dal Regno Unito.

La KAI, pur non avendo ancora trovato una soluzione, starebbe facendo uno sforzo ragionevole per risolvere il problema della licenza di esportazione.

Il T-50 Golden Eagle (골든이글) è un addestratore avanzato monomotore sviluppato da una joint venture tra Corea del Sud e Stati Uniti. È stato progettato dalla K.A.I. (Korean Aerospace Industries) in collaborazione con la Lockheed Martin, alla fine degli anni novanta. Parte del programma è anche l'A-50, o T-50 LIFT, variante da attacco leggero del Golden Eagle. Il velivolo fino ad oggi è stato ordinato dalla Daehan Minguk Gonggun o Republic of Korea Air Force.

Sviluppo

Il programma per la costruzione del T-50 è stato originariamente concepito negli anni '90 per sviluppare un aereo addestratore di produzione nazionale con la capacità di superare la velocità supersonica, per addestrare e preparare i piloti per gli F-16 e gli F-15, in sostituzione di aerei quali i T-38 e gli A-37 che erano fino ad allora in servizio con l'aviazione militare della Repubblica di Corea.

Il programma originario, nome in codice KTX-2, iniziò nel 1992, ma il Ministero dell'Economia e delle Finanze sospese il KTX-2 nel 1995 a causa di problemi di bilancio. Nonostante questo rallentamento il progetto di base del velivolo fu definito entro il 1999. Lo sviluppo del velivolo è stato finanziato per il 13% dalla Lockheed Martin, per il 17% da Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) e per il restante 70% dal governo della Corea del Sud.

Il velivolo fu formalmente designato come T-50 Golden Eagle nel febbraio 2000. L'assemblaggio finale del primo T-50 ha avuto luogo tra il 15 gennaio e il 14 settembre 2001, il primo volo del velivolo ha avuto luogo nel mese di agosto 2002, e la valutazione iniziale operativa dal 28 luglio al 14 agosto 2003. KAI e Lockheed Martin stanno perseguendo un programma di marketing congiunto per il T-50 a livello internazionale. La forza aerea della Corea del Sud ha firmato un contratto di produzione per 25 T-50 nel dicembre 2003, con gli aeromobili che sono stati consegnati tra il 2005 e il 2009.

Versioni:

T-50: versione per l'addestramento avanzato;
T-50B: versione specifica per la pattuglia acrobatica della Corea del Sud Black Eagles;
TA-50: configurazione studiata con una più completa capacità d'armamento per l'addestramento al tiro;
FA-50: versione sviluppata appositamente per l'attacco leggero.

Utilizzatori:

Corea del Sud - Daehan Minguk Gonggun 20 FA-50, 49 T-50, 9 T-50B e 22 TA-50 in servizio al dicembre 2018. Ulteriori 20 TA-50 Block 2 sono stati ordinati a giugno 2020.
Filippine - Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas - Ordinati 12 FA-50. A giugno 2017 la commessa è stata completata con la consegna degli ultimi due esemplari.
Indonesia - Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Udara - Opera, all'aprile 2019 con 15 T-50I dei 16 esemplari originariamente consegnati, uno dei quali è andato perso in un incidente il 20 dicembre 2015 durante un Air Show.
Iraq - Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiyya al-'Iraqiyya - 24 ordinati e tutti consegnati tra il dicembre 2013 ed il novembre 2019.
Thailandia - Kongthap Akat Thai - 4 ordinati nel 2015, consegnati a entro maggio 2018 e tutti in servizio al giugno 2019. Ulteriori 8 esemplari sono stati ordinati a luglio 2017.

ENGLISH

The British authorities have allegedly lobbied not to allow the sale of the FA-50 Fighting Eagle to the Argentine Air Force; the South Korean manufacturer has confirmed to the South American nation that it is unable to supply the light fighter aircraft and attack jet using some British-made parts.

The South Korean FA-50 ended up in the UK's arms embargo on Argentina, and its KAI manufacturer has informed the South American nation that the aircraft's British-made parts mean it cannot be sold as ordered.

In a letter dated 28 October, a senior official of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) reiterated to Argentina's ambassador to the Republic of Korea that the FA-50 cannot be exported because of the UK government's arms embargo on the country: the FA-50 uses six main components from the UK.

The KAI, although it has not yet found a solution, is making a reasonable effort to solve the problem of the export licence.

The KAI T-50 Golden Eagle (골든이글) is a family of South Korean supersonic advanced trainers and light combat aircraft, developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) with Lockheed Martin. The T-50 is South Korea's first indigenous supersonic aircraft and one of the world's few supersonic trainers. Development began in the late 1990s, and its maiden flight occurred in 2002. The aircraft entered active service with the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) in 2005.

The T-50 has been further developed into aerobatic and combat variants, namely T-50B, TA-50, and FA-50. The F-50 single-seat multirole fighter variant was considered. The T-50B serves with the South Korean air force's aerobatics team. The TA-50 light attack variant has been ordered by Indonesia. The Philippines ordered 12 units of the FA-50 variant. The T-50A was marketed as a candidate for the United States Air Force's next-generation T-X trainer program but failed to win. Thailand ordered 12 units of the T-50 advanced trainer variant.

Development

Origins

The T-50 program was originally intended to develop an indigenous trainer aircraft capable of supersonic flight, to train and prepare pilots for the KF-16 and F-15K, replacing trainers such as T-38 and A-37 that were then in service with the ROKAF. Prior South Korean aircraft programs include the turboprop KT-1 basic trainer produced by Daewoo Aerospace (now part of KAI), and license-manufactured KF-16. In general, the T-50 series of aircraft closely resembles the KF-16 in configuration.

The mother program, code-named KTX-2, began in 1992, but the Ministry of Finance and Economy suspended KTX-2 in 1995 due to financial constraints. The basic design of the aircraft was set by 1999. The development of the aircraft was funded 70% by the South Korean government, 17% by KAI, and 13% by Lockheed Martin. The program benefited from the assistance of many Taiwanese engineers who were veterans of AIDC's F-CK-1 program.

The aircraft was formally designated as the T-50 Golden Eagle in February 2000. The T-50A designation was reserved by the U.S. military to prevent it from being inadvertently assigned to another aircraft model. Final assembly of the first T-50 took place between 15 January and 14 September 2001. The first flight of the T-50 took place in August 2002, and initial operational assessment from 28 July to 14 August 2003.

KAI and Lockheed Martin are currently pursuing a joint marketing program for the T-50 internationally. The ROKAF placed a production contract for 25 T-50s in December 2003, with aircraft scheduled to be delivered between 2005 and 2009. Original T-50 aircraft are equipped with the AN/APG-67(v)4 radar from Lockheed Martin. The T-50 is equipped with a GE F404 engine with Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) built under license by Samsung Techwin. Under the terms of the T-50/F404-102 co-production agreement, GE provides engine kits directly to Samsung Techwin who produces designated parts as well as performing final engine assembly and testing.

Improved variants

The program has expanded beyond a trainer concept to include the TA-50 light attack aircraft and the FA-50 light combat aircraft. The TA-50 variant is a more heavily armed version of the T-50 trainer, intended for lead-in fighter training and light attack roles. It is equipped with the Elta EL/M-2032 fire control radar. The TA-50 is designed to operate as a full-fledged combat platform for precision-guided weapons, air-to-air missiles, and air-to-ground missiles. The TA-50 can mount additional utility pods for reconnaissance, targeting assistance, and electronic warfare. Reconnaissance and electronic warfare variants are also being developed, designated as RA-50 and EA-50.

The FA-50 is the most advanced version of the T-50, possessing more internal fuel capacity, enhanced avionics, a longer radome and a tactical datalink. It is equipped with a modified Israeli EL/M-2032 pulse-Doppler radar with Korean-specific modifications by LIG Nex1. The engine could be either Eurojet EJ200 or General Electric F414, upgraded to 20,000 lb or 22,000 lb thrust, roughly 12–25% higher than the F404's thrust; and are offered to prospective customers for the T-50. The radar of the FA-50 has a range two-thirds greater than the TA-50's radar. The EL/M-2032 was initially chosen over Lockheed Martin's preferred AN/APG-67(V)4 and SELEX Vixen 500E active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars. Other AESA radars such as Raytheon Advanced Combat Radar and Northrop Grumman's Scalable Agile Beam Radar are options for future production, and may be shared with the radar chosen for USAF and ROKAF F-16 fighters. Samsung Thales is also independently developing a domestic multi-mode AESA radar for the FA-50.

In December 2008, South Korea awarded a contract to KAI to convert four T-50s to FA-50 standard by 2012. In 2012, the ROKAF ordered 20 FA-50 fighters to be delivered by the end of 2014. The maiden flight of the FA-50 took place in 2011. 60 FA-50 aircraft are to be produced for the ROKAF from 2013 to 2016. KAI received a 1.1 trillion won ($1 billion) order for FA-50 fighter aircraft in May 2013.

In December 2015, KAI announced and revealed the new KAI-LM T-50 T-X upgrade intended to compete in the U.S. T-X program that will start testing in 2016. This variant features a dorsal hump for extra internal fuel and an aerial refuelling receptacle, large area display (LAD), and embedded ground training systems.

In October ADEX 2017, KAI unveiled the T-50A as a new variant based on the FA-50 multirole combat aircraft, including fifth generation cockpit, an aerial refuelling receptacle, cockpit multifunction display, dorsal hump for extra internal fuel, and an embedded training suite.

In January 2019, KAI has begun development on an improved FA-50 known as block 10 and block 20 upgrades. Block 10 is a software upgrade so it can use the Lockheed Martin AN/AAQ-33 Sniper targeting pod, while the block 20 is improvement capability to conduct beyond-visual-range air-to-air missions, carrying munitions such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM.

Design

Overview

The T-50 Golden Eagle design is largely derived from the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and they have some similarities. KAI's previous engineering experience in license-producing the KF-16 was a starting point for T-50 development.

The trainer has seating for two pilots in a tandem arrangement. The high-mounted canopy developed by Hankuk Fiber is applied with stretched acrylic, providing the pilots good visibility. The trainer has been tested to offer the canopy with ballistic protection against 4-lb objects impacting at 400 knots. The altitude limit is 14,600 metres (48,000 ft), and airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service. There are seven internal fuel tanks with capacity of 2,655 litres (701 US gal), five in the fuselage and two in the wings. An additional 1,710 litres (452 US gal) of fuel can be carried in the three external fuel tanks. T-50 trainer variants have a paint scheme of white and red, and aerobatic variants white, black, and yellow.

The T-50 uses a single General Electric F404-102 turbofan engine license-produced by Samsung Techwin, upgraded with a FADEC system jointly developed by General Electric and KAI. The engine consists of three-staged fans, seven axial stage arrangement, and an afterburner. The aircraft has a maximum speed of Mach 1.5. Its engine produces a maximum of 78.7 kN (17,700 lbf) of thrust with afterburner. The more powerful F414 and EJ200 engines have been suggested as the new engine for the T-50 family.

Avionics

The T-50's central processing unit and its operating system are developed by MDS Technology. The T-50's NEOS avionics operating system is the first and only real-time operating system to be developed by an Asian company, and holds both DO-178B and IEEE POSIX certification. Samsung Thales and LIG Nex1 are the main avionics and Electronic warfare equipment developers for T-50 and its variants. Other South Korean companies and defense institutes such as DoDAAM Systems, Aeromaster, Intellics, and Korea Institute of Defense Analysis are responsible for the aircraft's secondary avionics and embedded systems, including store management computers, avionics testing equipment, flight data recorders, portable maintenance aids, data analysis software, post-flight data processing system, aircraft structure and engine management software, and mission planning and support systems. The TA-50 version is equipped with an ELTA EL/M-2032 fire control radar.

The T-50 is equipped with a Honeywell H-764G embedded global positioning/inertial navigation system and HG9550 radar altimeter. The aircraft is the first trainer to feature triple-redundant digital fly-by-wire controls. The cockpit panels, switches, and joysticks are produced by South Korea's FirsTec and Sungjin Techwin, head-up display by DoDaaM Systems, and multi-function display by Samsung Thales. Other South Korean subcontractors such as Elemech, Dawin Friction, and Withus cooperate in T-50 components production. Hanwha supplies the mechanical parts for the flight control system, and WIA supplies the undercarriage.

Armament and equipment

The TA-50 version has a three-barrel cannon version of the M61 Vulcan mounted internally behind the cockpit, which fires linkless 20 mm ammunition. Wingtip rails can accommodate the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile, and a variety of additional weapons can be mounted to underwing hardpoints. Compatible air-to-surface weapons include the AGM-65 Maverick missile, Hydra 70 and LOGIR rocket launchers, CBU-58 and Mk-20 cluster bombs, and Mk-82, −83, and −84 general-purpose bombs.

The FA-50 can be externally fitted with Rafael's Sky Shield or LIG Nex1's ALQ-200K ECM pods, Sniper or LITENING targeting pods, and Condor 2 reconnaissance pods to further improve the fighter's electronic warfare, reconnaissance, and targeting capabilities. Other improved weapon systems include SPICE multifunctional guidance kits, Textron CBU-97/105 Sensor Fuzed Weapon with WCMD tail kits, JDAM, JDAM-ER for more comprehensive air-to-ground operations, and AIM-120 missiles for BVR air-to-air operations. FA-50 has provisions for, but does not yet integrate, Python and Derby missiles, also produced by Rafael, and other anti-ship missiles, stand-off weapons, and sensors to be domestically developed by Korea. The South Korean military is reviewing whether to arm the FA-50 with a smaller version of the KEPD 350 missile to give it a stand-off engagement capability of 400 km (250 mi).

In February 2018, European maker MBDA, in Singapore air show showcased an offer of its Meteor and ASRAAM medium and short-range air-to-air missiles available for integration for the KAI platforms FA-50 and future KF-X fighter jets.

Operational history

Republic of Korea

In 2011, the first squadron with the TA-50, the T-50's light attack variant, become operational with the ROKAF. The ROKAF's Black Eagles aerobatic team operates the T-50B version. In 2014, the FA-50 was officially deployed by the ROKAF with President Park Geun-hye officially leading a ceremony during which a flight demonstration was held showing its capabilities. 20 FA-50s was assigned its own Air Force wing. 60 FA-50s were ordered by ROKAF. On 9 October 2014, an FA-50 successfully test fired an AGM-65 Maverick at a stationary target, a retired ship.

Indonesia

Indonesia had been considering the T-50, along with four other aircraft to replace its BAE Systems Hawk Mk 53 trainer and OV-10 Bronco attack aircraft. In August 2010, Indonesia announced that T-50, Yak-130 and L-159 were the remaining candidates for its requirement for 16 advanced jet trainers. In May 2011, Indonesia signed a contract to order 16 T-50 aircraft for US$400 million. The aircraft is to feature weapons pylons and gun modules, enabling light attack capabilities. The Golden Eagles are to replace the Hawk Mk 53 in Indonesian Air Force service. Indonesia's version has been designated T-50i. Deliveries began in September 2013. The last pair of T-50i aircraft were delivered in January 2014.

Iraq

Iraq was negotiating the acquisition of T-50 trainer jets, having first publicly expressed official interest during the Korea–Iraq summit in Seoul on 24 February 2009. In April 2010, Iraq reopened the jet lead-in fighter-trainer competition for 24 aircraft, in which TA-50 competed. In December 2013, it was announced that Iraq signed a contract for 24 aircraft of the FA-50 variant designated T-50IQ, plus additional equipment and pilot training over the next 20 years. Deliveries were to begin in April 2016, with all aircraft to be delivered over the next 12 months.

Philippines

The Philippine Air Force chose 12 KAI TA-50 aircraft to fulfill its requirement for a light attack and lead-in fighter trainer aircraft. The Department of National Defense (DND) announced the selection of the type in August 2012. Funding for 12 aircraft was approved by Congress in September 2012, but by late January 2013, state media reported that the FA-50, not the TA-50 as previously reported, was selected for the procurement.

In October 2013, President Aquino said the DND was close to finalizing the FA-50 deal, and on 19 October 2013, President Aquino and President Park Geun-hye of South Korea signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with provisions for acquisitions. On 13 February 2014, President Aquino approved the payment scheme for purchasing 12 lead-in fighter trainers with P18.9 billion ($415.7 million) budgeted. On 28 March 2014, the Philippines' Department of National Defense signed a contract for 12 FA-50 light attack aircraft worth P18.9 billion (US$421.12 million).

Deliveries began in November 2015 and were expected to be completed in May 2017. The first four FA-50PH aircraft delivered were displayed on 1 December 2016. All deliveries were completed by 31 May 2017.

Plans call for 3 or 4 of the 12 aircraft to be fitted with capability for beyond visual range (BVR) intercept. In March 2015, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reported that the Philippines plans to order additional FA-50s, which is supported by the PAF Flight Plan 2028 that lists another 12 FA-50s planned for the future.

In June 2018, it was discussed that the Philippine Air Force is reviewing the possibility of acquiring 12 more units.

On 26 January 2017, two Philippine Air Force FA-50PHs conducted a nighttime attack on terrorist hideouts in Butig, Lanao del Sur province in Mindanao, the first combat sorties flown by these aircraft.

In June 2017, FA-50s were deployed to conduct airstrikes against Maute terrorists entrenched in the city of Marawi starting in May 2017.

On 12 July 2017, an FA-50 was involved in a friendly fire incident during the Battle of Marawi when a bomb landed approximately 250 meters off target, killing two Philippine soldiers and injuring 11 more. Investigation resulted in clearing the aircrew and aircraft of fault and the type was allowed to return to active service in August.

On 2 February 2019, two Air Force FA-50s dropped eight 250-pound bombs on the lair of the ISIS-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in response to the bomb attack on the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Barangay Walled City, Jolo, Sulu.

Thailand

In September 2015, the Thai government chose the KAI T-50 variant for its air force over the Chinese Hongdu L-15 to replace its aging L-39 Albatros trainers. The 4 T-50TH aircraft are scheduled to be delivered by March 2018. In July 2017, Thailand's government approved the procurement of 8 more aircraft with a contract signing expected later in the month. Deliveries began in January 2018.

Possible sales

Argentina: Argentine Air Force evaluated the FA-50 as a potential new platform in 2016. The Argentine government is seeking to buy the FA-50 through repatriation in Korea. MSN reported the Argentine defense minister said that when the financial aid is secured a contract for the FA-50 with KAI can be signed by December 2017. As of July 2019, the Argentine Air Force, is set to buy FA-50s as an interim replacement for the retired Mirage 3, 5, and Dagger force. It is also to help replace the retiring A-4AR Fightinghawk fleet, as those aircraft are aging and becoming difficult to repair and maintain. If the deal is approved it will be a first step in modernizing and revitalizing the country's fighter fleet. KIA later notified the Argentine government that a sale would not be possible due the UK blocking it on the grounds of an arms embargo — the aircraft features various British components, including Martin-Baker ejection seats.

Azerbaijan: Azerbaijani Air Forces has expressed interest in purchasing T-50 trainers.

Brunei: Royal Brunei Air Force has expressed interest in the FA-50.

Croatia: The FA-50 is also being offered to Croatia, which is deciding on a replacement for its aging fleet of MiG-21BIS aircraft. However, in October 2017, KAI did not bid as the FA-50 could not satisfy Croatian fighter requirements.

Malaysia: Royal Malaysian Air Force is looking for a light combat aircraft that also can serve as a lead-in fighter trainer (LIFT) platform and should be ready for fielding in about 2021–22. The official noted that others are being considered but a preference for the T-50/FA-50 aircraft in service with near-neighbours the Philippines and the Republic of Korea.

Pakistan: Pakistan Air Force is considering purchase of the South Korean KAI T-50 Lead in Fighter Trainer (LIFT) to revamp its air force training program.

Spain: Spanish Air Force is interested in a cooperation agreement with South Korea for use of training aircraft, including the T-50. In November 2018, Spain was in talks with South Korea to swap 50 basic T-50 jet trainers for 4 to 5 Airbus A400M airlifters.

Taiwan: Republic of China Air Force is looking to replace its current fleet of AT-3 jet trainers and F-5 LIFT planes with 66 advanced trainers, the ROC Air Force released a request for information (RFI) and two companies have responded including Lockheed Martin for the T-50 and Alenia Aermacchi's M-346 responded to the request. The planes are expected to be license produced in Taiwan with a local partner firm, and the overall estimated contract value is 69 billion New Taiwan dollars (US$2.2 billion). However, Taiwan decided to build 66 AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle supersonic trainers based on Taiwan's existing AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-kuo fighters for NT$68.6 billion instead of selecting the T-50 or M-346.

United Arab Emirates: United Arab Emirates Air Force is seeking 35–40 fighter-trainers. In February 2009, the UAE selected the M-346 over the T-50. In January 2010, the UAE reopened the trainer contest. In 2011, it was confirmed that the T-50 was still competing for the UAE purchase.

Vietnam: Government of Vietnam looks to purchase FA-50 light fighters from U.S. and South Korea.

South Korea also plans to offer the FA-50 to Colombia and Peru. Local media reported that the FA-50 could be a more affordable option than the Saab Gripen for the Botswana Defence Force Air Wing, citing Korean Aerospace Industries, signaling potential interest by the country.

Failed bids:

Israel: Israeli Air Force had been evaluating the T-50 as a possible replacement for its McDonnell Douglas A-4N Skyhawk II trainers since 2003. On 16 February 2012, Israel announced its decision to procure 30 M-346s instead.
Poland: Polish Air Force stated tender for new AJTs, in which T-50 was participating. M-346 was chosen.
Singapore: Republic of Singapore Air Force evaluated the T-50 against the Italian Alenia Aermacchi M-346 and the BAE Systems Hawk for a $500 million trainer acquisition program contract for 12–16 aircraft. The Singapore Ministry of Defense eventually selected the M-346 aircraft ahead of T-50 and BAE Hawk in July 2010.
United States: The T-50 was one of the contenders for the U.S. Air Force's T-X program, with an opportunity to export 300 to 1,000 aircraft. But on 27 September 2018, U.S. Air Force selects Boeing's T-7 trainer. On March 2020, U.S. Air Force is planning to lease 4~8 T-50A trainers due to delayment of manufacturing of T-7A. U.S. Air Force planning to use T-50A for relevant tactical skills.
Uzbekistan: In October 2015, the U.S. refused to approve the sale of the KAI T-50 advance trainer to Uzbekistan. The T-50 uses a US-made engine, the F404, which requires a US export license to re-export to another country along the T-50. However, due to political considerations related to Uzbekistan, US refused to approve this.

Variants:

T-50: Advanced trainer version.
T-50i: Version of the T-50 for Indonesian Air Force.
T-50TH: Version of the T-50 for Royal Thai Air Force.
T-50A: Failed candidate for the US Air Force T-X program, based on the FA-50.
T-50B: Aerobatic specialized T-50 version for Korea Air Force's aerobatic display team, the Black Eagles.
TA-50: Lead-in fighter trainer and light attack version.
FA-50: Light attack/fighter version, originally named A-50. A prototype from a converted T-50 first flew in 2011.
FA-50PH: Version of the FA-50 for the Philippine Air Force.
T-50IQ: Version of the FA-50 for Iraqi Air Force.
F-50: A single seat multirole fighter variant that was considered but was cancelled in favor of the KF-X.

Accidents and incidents

On 15 November 2012, a South Korean air force pilot from the service's Black Eagles aerobatic display team was killed when his KAI T-50B trainer crashed in a mountainside in the area of Hoengsong, about 48 nm (90 km) east of Seoul, due to human error during a maintenance operation.

On 20 December 2015, an Indonesian Air Force T-50i Golden Eagle crashed while performing a flight demonstration during an airshow at Adisutjipto Air base in Yogyakarta, killing its two pilots possibly caused by pilot error.

On 6 February 2018, a South Korean aerobatic team's plane flipped over after one of its tires burst on take off at Changi Airport. It was taking off in preparation for a display at the Singapore Airshow.

On August 10, 2020, a 38 year old Indonesian Air Force T-50i pilot has died from injuries sustained during a training accident at the Iswahyudi Air Force Base.

Specifications

General characteristics:

Crew: 2
Length: 13.144 m (43 ft 1 in)
Wingspan: 9.45 m (31 ft 0 in) with wingtip missiles
Height: 4.94 m (16 ft 2 in)
Wing area: 23.69 m2 (255.0 sq ft)
Empty weight: 6,470 kg (14,264 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 12,300 kg (27,117 lb)
Fuel capacity: 5,920 pounds (2,690 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × General Electric F404 afterburning turbofan engine (built under license by Samsung Techwin), 53.07 kN (11,930 lbf) thrust dry, 78.7 kN (17,700 lbf) with afterburner.

Performance:

Maximum speed: 1,837.5 km/h (1,141.8 mph, 992.2 kn) at 9,144 m (30,000 ft)
Maximum speed: Mach 1.5
Range: 1,851 km (1,150 mi, 999 nmi)
Service ceiling: 14,630 m (48,000 ft)
g limits: +8 −3
Rate of climb: 198 m/s (39,000 ft/min)
Thrust/weight: 0.96.

Armament:

Guns: 1× 20 mm (0.787 in) General Dynamics A-50 3-barrel rotary cannon
Hardpoints: Total of 7 with 4 underwing 2 wingtip and one under fuselage; holding up to 3,740 kg (8,250 lb) of payload
Rockets:
Hydra 70
LOGIR.

Missiles: 