Thailand has signed a contract with Korean Aerospace Industries to acquire four KAI T-50 golden Eagle trainer jets under a $110 million ...
Thailand has signed a contract with Korean Aerospace Industries to acquire four KAI T-50 golden Eagle trainer jets under a $110 million deal.
KAI will deliver the aircraft within 30 months. The T-50 which also has light attack capability will replace Thai Air Force's aging fleet of Czech built L-39 trainer jets.
The trainer which was developed jointly by Lockheed Martin and KAI, has been a export success. It has clinched orders for 24 and 16 jets respectively from Indonesia and Iraq. Philippines has ordered 12 of the fighter variant designated FA-50.
The T-50 will also compete for the U.S. Air Force's advanced trainer jet program code named T-X.
With a maximum take off weight of 12.3 tonne, the T-50 is powered by a single GE F404 turbofan engine. The major aircraft features include triple redundant electrical systems, onboard oxygen generating system (OBOGS), active sidestick controls, Hands on Throttle and Stick (HOTAS), zero-zero ejection seats and multi function displays.
