South Korean manufacturer believes T-50 would be inexpensive option for AEJPT contest
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is seeking to partner a European manufacturer to enable its T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic trainer to enter the expected competition for the Advanced European Jet Pilot Training (AEJPT), or Eurotraining initiative.
A recently completed feasibility study says the 12 AEJPT partner nations must decide next year whether to proceed with the programme if a desired 2012 entry-into-service date is to be met. KAI says the T-50 - developed jointly with Lockheed Martin - meets all Eurotraining requirements and would save the programme development costs that would have to be incurred if another aircraft wins.
Four aircraft were assessed during the feasibility study - Aermacchi's M346, which is set to fly for the first time within the next few weeks, and three new designs proposed by Dassault Aviation and EADS. KAI has engaged in preliminary talks with several European companies to see whether the T-50 can be manufactured in Europe, so it can later also be assessed by the Eurotraining participants.
KAI is test flying four T-50 prototypes and expects to complete the entire flight envelope by year-end. South Korea last year approved the acquisition of 94 T-50s for delivery from 2005. KAI and Lockheed Martin are seeking a launch customer for a proposed export variant, with Israel and the United Arab Emirates seen as key candidates.
KAI is trying to fight off a domestic scandal that emerged earlier this month after an audit report questioned whether the air force is paying too much for T-50 wings. The firm claims a 2003 decision to shift production of the wing from Lockheed Martin to KAI reduced costs, but the initial price of the T-50 wing is more than a KAI-assembled Lockheed Martin F-16. However, this will come down asT-50 production ramps up.
KAI is also trying to drum up further sales for its KT-1 primary trainer, which has already been exported to Indonesia. The firm says it has several potential customers in South America and could eventually establish a regional support centre for the aircraft. KAI also plans to respond to an expected request for proposals from Turkey for up to 60 primary trainers, requiring delivery from 2008.
BRENDAN SOBIE / SEOUL
Source: Flight International
