Korea KTX-II (T-50, TA-50, FA-50) program

[Test7]

The United Kingdom has effectively barred the sale of the FA-50 Fighting Eagle to Argentina, with the South Korean manufacturer informing the South American nation that it is unable to supply the light fighter and strike jet with its British-made parts.

The South Korean FA-50 has fallen foul of a UK arms embargo on Argentina, with its manufacturer informing the South American nation that the aircraft’s British made parts mean it cannot be sold as requested. (KAI)

In a letter dated 28 October, a senior official at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) told Argentina’s ambassador to the Republic of Korea that the FA-50 cannot be exported due to the UK government’s arms embargo on the country. As KAI Senior Manager and Chief, International Business Strategy Department, Martin Chun, noted in his letter to Ambassador Alfredo Carlos Bascou, the FA-50 includes six major components that are sourced from the UK.

“It is our regret to inform you that the UK export license issue is not resolved to date. Although KAI did not yet find a solution, KAI is making a reasonable endeavour to resolve this UK E/L [export licence] issue,” the letter posted online said. KAI had not responded to a request for confirmation by the time of publication, while an Argentine source familiar with the procurement told Janes he believed the letter to be genuine.

UK bars South Korea from selling FA-50 to Argentina

The United Kingdom has effectively barred the sale of the FA-50 Fighting Eagle to Argentina, with the South Korean manufacturer informing the South American nation that...

www.janes.com

 

[Test7]

F-50 jet (image: ITPS Canada)

Canada’s International Test Pilots School (ITPS) announced today it signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) to promote the FA-50/ T-50 for tactical and adversary training.
The International Tactical Training Center (ITTC) is the only commercial entity providing advanced fighter pilot training including Fighter Weapons Instructor Courses, Advanced Tactics Courses and Mission Commander courses to international customers. ITTC is currently providing Fighter Lead-In Training (FLIT) to the Royal Malaysian Air Force in London, Ontario. It operates a fleet of Aero Vodochody L-39 featuring upgraded avionics for the FLIT programme.

“The KAI FA-50 is a great aircraft!” says ITPS President Giorgio Clementi. “The aircraft’s performance, flying qualities and mission capabilities make it the ideal platform for tactical and adversary training missions and a great fit for ITPS to replace our L-39 fleet. A new aircraft supported by the manufacturer and with the associated engineering and logistical support ensures reliable and cost-effective operations into the future. The FA-50 is a winner and we are delighted to be collaborating with KAI!”

KAI has partnered with Lockheed Martin for marketing the T-50 to international customers.
In June, South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) reached out to KAI to provide 20 TA-50 combat trainers for 688 billion won ($575 million). The KIA has previously supplied 64 T-50 advanced trainer jets worth $2.4Billion to countries such as Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Turkey, Peru, and the Philippines
The T-50 is equipped with General Electric F404-102 turbofan engines, Triple redundant digital fly by wire controls, and AN/APG-67 Radar. In terms of navigational equipment, the T-50 is equipped with a Honeywell H-764G embedded global positioning/inertial navigation system and HG9550 radar altimeter.

Defense World

View News at Defense World

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[Test7]

While most of the world’s tactical and adversary training facilities still rely on the venerable Aero L-39 Albatross, the International Test Pilots School (ITPS), Canada Ltd looks at the future.

ITPS has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Korean Aerospace Industries to promote the KAI FA-50 for tactical and adversary training. According to ITPS the aircraft’s performance, flying qualities and mission capabilities make it the ideal platform for tactical and adversary training missions and a great fit for ITPS to replace the L-39 fleet.

With a completely new aircraft supported by the manufacturer and with the associated engineering and logistical support, ITPS expects to ensure reliable and cost-effective operations into the future. And, as one can imagine, Korean Aerospace Industries sees ITPS as a fastlane to gain access to the lucrative US market.

At their facilities at London International Airport (ONT) ITPS houses the International Tactical Training Center (ITTC) which provides advanced fighter pilot training including Fighter Weapons Instructor Courses, Advanced Tactics Courses and Mission Commander courses to international customers. ITTC is currently providing Fighter Lead-In Training (FLIT) to the Royal Malaysian Air Force, the first course of which started in January 2020.

ITTC currently operates a fleet of Aero Vodochody L-29 (C-FLVB and C-FXZI) and L-39 (C-GFNJ, C-GFNO, and C-GTOZ) aircraft, next to a variety of aircraft types ranging from a Diamond DA-20 to a Grumman HU-16 Albatross. The L-39s feature upgraded avionics for the FLIT programme. Two Hawker Hunters, Hunter T75 WV318 and Hunter T7 XL616, are not operational yet but will be as soon as the extensive cockpit upgrades are finished and flight test instrumentation installed.

Photos: Mike Reyno (L-29), ITPS and KAI

Korean FA-50 as new adversary trainer?

Korean FA-50 as new adversary trainer? While most of the world’s tactical and adversary training facilities still rely on the venerable Aero L-39 Albatross, the International Test ...

www.scramble.nl

 

[Test7]

Dec. 2, 2020 - Cobham Mission Systems, the world leader in air refuelling probe solutions, announced today it has been awarded a prime contract from Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) to deliver an air refuelling probe solution for its FA-50 advanced jet aircraft. Under this contract, Cobham Mission Systems will design, develop and qualify a telescopic probe solution, which the company anticipates will lead to future serial production requirements for KAI’s customer base.

Equipping the FA-50 with an air refuelling probe will enable air refuelling from hose and drogue tankers, enhancing the aircrafts operational flexibility and interoperability.

“Having supported KAI for over a decade, we are delighted to deliver this new operational capability for their impressive FA-50 jet,” said Russell Bailey, vice president air-to-air refuelling for Cobham Mission Systems in the UK.

“Recognised for providing leading edge and optimised solutions to meet the air refuelling capability requirements of Air Forces around the world, Cobham Mission Systems is uniquely placed to deliver this project. Our dedicated team looks forward to collaborating closely with KAI to create a bespoke probe design for the FA-50 that will deliver an enhanced operational capability to end users.”

Cobham Mission Systems to provide air refuelling probe for KAI FA-50

Cobham Mission Systems to provide air refuelling probe for KAI FA-50

www.blogbeforeflight.net

 

[Test7]

Lockheed Martin’s Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) just successfully completed ground and flight testing, clearing the way for FA-50 airworthiness certification.
The tests resulted in a successful long-range guided munition hit of a designated target, the company announced.

The FA-50 light combat aircraft is manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries, LTD., in partnership with Lockheed Martin.
Passing the initial physical fit check in September 2019, this last wave of testing assessed the aircraft’s interaction with the Sniper pilot vehicle interface (PVI) and pod-specific features.
The next steps are for KAI to obtain a Certification of Airworthiness (COA) to approve Sniper to fly and operate on FA-50 light fighter jets. Once certified, KAI can upgrade existing jets and build new jets in-line with this new capability in accordance with customer requirements.

The ATP product offers capability enhancements like high-resolution imagery for precision targeting and non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. It detects, identifies, automatically tracks and laser-designates small tactical targets at long ranges and supports employment of laser-guided and GPS-guided weapons against multiple fixed and moving targets.

Defense World

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[Test7]

FA-50 light attack aircraft

By Kang Seung-woo

The FA-50, the nation's first domestically developed light attack aircraft, is competing against the Pakistani-Chinese jointly manufactured JF-17 fighter for the Malaysian Air Force's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program, under which Kuala Lumpur seeks to purchase 18 jets to replace its aging MiG-29 fleet, according to sources, Sunday.

"Despite interest from a diverse group of manufacturers, the FA-50 and JF-17 are the finalists," the source said.

The FA-50 is a variant of the T-50 supersonic trainer jet, manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).

Since its first deployment in October 2013, 60 FA-50s are operated by the Korean Air Force. In addition, the FA-50 has been exported to Iraq, the Philippines and Thailand.

Initially, France's Rafale, the multinational Eurofighter and the United States' F-18 were put forward for the Malaysian program, but the project has been downsized to purchasing light attack aircraft due to budget issues, giving a fighting chance to India's Tejas, Italy's M346 and Russia's Y-130.

Should the KAI win the deal, it would be a huge compensation for its failed exports to Argentina.

Despite interest from Buenos Aires, the KAI, which uses several British-made parts in the FA-50, was unable to close a deal for the sale of eight aircraft due to an arms embargo imposed by the British government on the South American country.

However, the FA-50 is reportedly behind the JF-17 in the race as the latter possesses a better mid-range weapons capacity which is a requirement of the Malaysian Air Force.

Korean FA-50 competes with Pakistan-China developed jet in Malaysia

Korean FA-50 competes with Pakistan-China developed jet in Malaysia

www.koreatimes.co.kr

 

[Combat-Master]

FA-50 light attack aircraft

By Kang Seung-woo

The FA-50, the nation's first domestically developed light attack aircraft, is competing against the Pakistani-Chinese jointly manufactured JF-17 fighter for the Malaysian Air Force's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program, under which Kuala Lumpur seeks to purchase 18 jets to replace its aging MiG-29 fleet, according to sources, Sunday.

"Despite interest from a diverse group of manufacturers, the FA-50 and JF-17 are the finalists," the source said.

The FA-50 is a variant of the T-50 supersonic trainer jet, manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).

Since its first deployment in October 2013, 60 FA-50s are operated by the Korean Air Force. In addition, the FA-50 has been exported to Iraq, the Philippines and Thailand.

Initially, France's Rafale, the multinational Eurofighter and the United States' F-18 were put forward for the Malaysian program, but the project has been downsized to purchasing light attack aircraft due to budget issues, giving a fighting chance to India's Tejas, Italy's M346 and Russia's Y-130.

Should the KAI win the deal, it would be a huge compensation for its failed exports to Argentina.

Despite interest from Buenos Aires, the KAI, which uses several British-made parts in the FA-50, was unable to close a deal for the sale of eight aircraft due to an arms embargo imposed by the British government on the South American country.

However, the FA-50 is reportedly behind the JF-17 in the race as the latter possesses a better mid-range weapons capacity which is a requirement of the Malaysian Air Force.

Korean FA-50 competes with Pakistan-China developed jet in Malaysia

Korean FA-50 competes with Pakistan-China developed jet in Malaysia

www.koreatimes.co.kr

S.Koreans will slowly learn that their planes have to be ITAR free if they want greater market penetration.. Shame they couldn't sell FA-50 to Bueno Aires. And likely, ITAR Free consideration may be taken by Malaysia. JF17 is a superior plane IMO..

ITAR not ATAR - correction

 

[Test7]

S.Koreans will slowly learn that their planes have to be ATAR free if they want greater market penetration.. Shame they couldn't sell FA-50 to Bueno Aires. And likely, ATAR Free consideration may be taken by Malaysia. JF17 is a superior plane IMO..

I agree with you. Unfortunately their client portfolios are tied to the interests of the united states.

 

[Gary]

At least if they're going for the JF-17, the should aim for the block III with those KLJ AESA, and if possible replace the engine with more reliable western ones like F414 instead of RD-93.

 

[Test7]

At least if they're going for the JF-17, the should aim for the block III with those KLJ AESA, and if possible replace the engine with more reliable western ones like F414 instead of RD-93.

Engine replacement is not such an easy modification. Replacing the engine means rebuilding the jet again. Because with this change, all the parameters of the jet will change. All test parameters, performance parameters material design parameters,etc..

 

[Gary]

Engine replacement is not such an easy modification. Replacing the engine means rebuilding the jet again. Because with this change, all the parameters of the jet will change. All test parameters, performance parameters material design parameters,etc..

I thought the JF-17 is future proof for engine integration consider that they'll intergrate Chinese WS-13 ?

 

[Isa Khan]

South Korean media on Apr. 23, reported that Korea Aerospace Industries, or KAI, and the Thailand government have reached an agreement on the next batch of T-50TH lead-in fighter trainers.

The story was first reported by reporter Min-Seok Kim, which cited industry sources.

According to industry sources, the Thai government and KAI have agreed on two additional T-50TH aircraft to enhance the Royal Thai Air Force’s airpower and efficient pilot training.

The T-50TH is a special version of the T-50 Golden Eagle developed for Thailand.

The T-50 Golden Eagle is a family of South Korean supersonic advanced jet 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.

As noted by the KAI, T-50 proved its superior performances and transcendent training efficiency through field operation and expanding its footprint in the global market since 2011 to Indonesia, Iraq and the Philippines, Thailand.

The T-50TH developed to train and prepare pilots for the F-16 and JAS-39, replacing trainers such as L-39s in service with the Royal Thai Air Force. The T-50TH lead-in fighter trainers developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) with Lockheed Martin.

The Royal Thai Air Force currently operates 12 T-50TH and ordered an upgrade program for its fleet in May of 2019.

The first two of KAI T-50TH aircraft serial 40101 and 40102, 401st Squadron arrived at Wing 4 RTAF Base Takhli, Nakhon Sawan, Thailand on January 2018.

South Korea, Thailand reach agreement on additional T-50TH trainer jets

South Korean media on Apr. 23, reported that Korea Aerospace Industries, or KAI, and the Thailand government have reached an agreement on the next batch of T-50TH lead-in fighter trainers. The story was first reported by reporter Min-Seok Kim, which cited industry sources. According to industry...

defence-blog.com

 

[Isa Khan]

Korea Aerospace Industries, South Korea’s sole aircraft manufacturer, is in talks with the Slovakian government to sell 10 FA-50 homegrown trainer jets in a $500 million deal, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration said Wednesday.

KAI is set to sign a deal with Slovakian aircraft repair company LOTN on Wednesday in Hungary upon President Moon Jae-in’s European tour this week.

The president, who arrived in Budapest on Tuesday for a state visit, will hold a summit Thursday with the prime ministers of Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia. It will be the second summit between South Korea and the Visegrad Group.

The FA-50, developed by KAI and Lockheed Martin, is a combat variant of the T-50 supersonic trainer jet and the nation’s major defense export. Armed with AIM-9, AGM-65G and other missiles, the plane can conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground operations.

The jet came under renewed spotlight last month when Moon, clad in a flight suit, arrived at a defense exhibition in the back seat of an FA-50 jet fighter. The president was the first South Korean president to fly over domestic territory on a fighter jet.

Slovakia has been seeking to replace its aging fleet of L-39 Albatros trainer jets. The country is expected to issue a request for proposals in the first half of next year.

S. Korea seeks to sell 10 fighter jets to Slovakia

Korea Aerospace Industries, South Korea’s sole aircraft manufacturer, is in talks with the Slovakian government to sell 10 FA-50 homegrown trainer jets in a $500 million deal, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration said Wednesday. KAI is set to sign a deal with Slovakian aircraft...

www.koreaherald.com

 

[Saithan]

Korea Aerospace Industries T-50IQ Trainer Jet

Korea Aerospace Industries Awarded $360 Million Iraqi Contract for T-50IQ Trainer Jets Maintenance​

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), South Korea’s sole aircraft manufacturer, said Monday it has received a US$360 million repair and maintenance deal for trainer jets in Iraq. In the three-year deal signed with the Iraqi defense ministry, KAI will provide repair and maintenance services for the T-50IQ advanced trainer jets operated by the Iraqi air force as well as training programs for pilots and engineers. Korea Aerospace Industries exported 24 T-50IQ trainer jets to Iraq in 2013.

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.
Advertisement

Korea Aerospace Industries signed a contract to support the follow-up operation of the T-50IQ with the Iraqi Ministry of Defense on November 7. (Photo by Korea Aerospace Industries)

The Korea Aerospace Industries T-50 Golden Eagle is a family of South Korean supersonic advanced jet 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 light fighter 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.

Korea Aerospace Industries Awarded $360 Million Iraqi Contract for T-50IQ Trainer Jets Maintenance - MilitaryLeak.COM

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), South Korea's sole aircraft manufacturer, said Monday it has received a US$360 million repair and maintenance deal for

militaryleak.com

_________________________________
I thought those were new....

Iraq receives new batch of T-50 jet fighters from South Korea

Baghdad (Iraqinews.com) – A new batch of the T-50 jet fighters arrived Wednesday in Iraq coming from South Korea to help in the fight against Islamic State (IS).

www.iraqinews.com

 

[urban mine]

Malaysia finally chooses Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) FA-50 Block 20

(The signing ceremony of the Letter of Acceptance (SST) for the procurement of FA-50 aircraft between the Ministry of Defense and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI))

The acquisition of 18 FA-50 aircraft by South Korean aerospace firm, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for Phase 1 will open a new page to the two-way relationship and establish more solid strategic cooperation between Putrajaya and Seoul, especially in the aerospace field.

Finally, the FA-50 Block 20 Fighter Lead-In Trainer-Light Combat Aircraft by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) emerged as the winner in the tender to supply the aircraft to Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (TUDM).

Speaking to Defense Security Asia, Kemalak Systems Chief Executive Officer Maj Mohd Iswandi bin Mohd Sharif TUDM (retired) has confirmed the matter.

"The FA 50 Block 20 aircraft by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has been officially selected by the Malaysia for TUDM's FLIT-LCA aircraft," he said. Syarikat Kemalak Systems is a local partner to KAI.

He said again, the ceremony to sign the Surat Setuju Terima (SST) between representatives of the Kingdom of Malaysia and KAI took place today at the Ministry of Defense.

President and Chief Executive Officer of KAI, KANG Goo Young has signed the SST together with the Chief Setiausaha of the Malaysian Ministry of Defense, with the signing ceremony also attended by the highest guests between the two countries including the South Korean Ambassador in Malaysia.

"The acquisition of 18 FA 50 TUDM aircraft for Phase 1 will open a new page to the two-way relationship and establish more solid strategic cooperation between Putrajaya and Seoul, especially in the field of aerospace."

"The plan to make Malaysia the hub of the FA 50 aircraft includes aspects of maintenance, repair and logistical support will be framed in a graded manner through the cooperation of KAI and Kemalak System," Iswandi said.

Malaysia is KAI's latest customer after Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines in the Southeast Asia region.

"With the increasing number of KAI's output aircraft in the region, the plan to make Malaysia a hub for FA 50 aircraft is seen as ideal and coincides as a catalyst to explore the aeroangkasa segment more widely in the region. Insyallah."

"MALAYSIA IS A HUB FOR FA 50", according to Iswandi.


As previously reported by Defence Security Asia, the FA-50 Block 20 light fighter variant offered to TUDM will be equipped with the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) "PhantomStrike" radar developed by US defense company Raytheon Intelligence & Space.

Poland which acquired the FA-50 Block 20 light fighter also equipped the aircraft with the "PhantomStrike" AESA radar developed by the Raytheon company.

Information obtained by Defense Security Asia previously confirmed that the FA-50 Block 20 aircraft offered to TUDM will be equipped with similar U/VHF radio equipment used by the latest variant of the F-16 Block 70 fighter.

In addition, the FA-50 Block 20 aircraft offered to TUDM will also be equipped with the "Link 16 Block Upgrade 2".

The FA-50 Block 20 aircraft variant will also reportedly be equipped with an Air-To-Air Refueling Probe (AAR Probe) facility, namely the "Cobham Mission System" developed by the Cobham company from the United Kingdom. - DSA

https://defencesecurityasia.com/fa50-kai-tudm/


A team of RMAF assessment officers visiting the 8th Fighter Wing for an FA-50 performance assessment last December.

한국항공우주/단일판매ㆍ공급계약체결/2023.02.24

 

[Siper>MMU]

Congrats Malaysia for selecting the worse bid. Hürjet would give them both more flexible configuration options and higher Malaysian industry participation.

 

[Umigami]

Congrats Malaysia for selecting the worse bid. Hürjet would give them both more flexible configuration options and higher Malaysian industry participation.

Get over it

 

[Siper>MMU]

Pay your bills for KFX first

 

[B_A]

Congrats Malaysia for selecting the worse bid. Hürjet would give them both more flexible configuration options and higher Malaysian industry participation.

As our hurjet still even not maid flight….

 

[Umigami]

Pay your bills for KFX first

We are paying