T-50 MAKES ITS INTERNATIONAL AERIAL DEBUT AT DUBAI AIR
SHOW
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates and FORT WORTH, Texas (Nov.
21, 2005)
The T-50 Golden Eagle advanced jet trainer made its
international aerial debut showcasing its supersonic
capabilities and technological advances today at the Dubai
International Air Show. Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd.
(KAI) is the prime contractor for the T-50 program, and
Lockheed Martin [NYSE:LMT] is principal subcontractor.
"A demonstration flight of the T-50 in a foreign country,
especially in an international air show, is very impressive
and a touching moment for all of the people who have worked
so hard to make it a reality," said Hae-joo Chung, President
of Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI). "The successful
development and smooth production of the supersonic
aircraft, T-50, in Korea is marked by a number of important
'firsts' for all of the individuals and organizations
involved."
Noted for its maneuverability, versatility and ease of
operation, the T-50 is an economical solution to prepare
pilots to fly current advanced aircraft, from the
Eurofighters to the latest Lockheed Martin advanced F-16s
and the newest 5th Generation fighter, the F-35 Joint Strike
Fighter. The T-50 is a total integrated training solution
for 21st century pilot training. KAI officials note that no
other platform on the international market offers the
flexibility of the T-50.
"The capabilities of the T-50 are unmatched. This
aircraft has many of the same characteristics that several
highly advanced fighters in the world possess," said Dr.
Alex Jun, Director of T-50 International Marketing.
The T-50 is equipped with advanced performance features
that make it an outstanding, cost-effective trainer and
provide the key building blocks of operational flexibility
and supportability. Its systems form an overwhelmingly
capable lead-in fighter trainer and light combat aircraft.
With a robust integrated logistics support system, the T-50
provides a cost-effective bridge from primary trainers to
high-performance operational fighters.
KAI is completing flights tests of two production
aircraft slated for delivery to the Republic of Korea Air
Force (ROKAF) later this year. ROKAF instructor pilots are
undergoing training now in Sacheon and will be ready to
prepare other ROKAF instructor pilots in February 2006.
The Golden Eagle's overall affordability and potential as
a multirole fighter trainer gives KAI and Lockheed Martin
confidence that this aircraft will be attractive to a host
of international customers, many observing it for the first
time at this show.
Photo is available at the following URL:
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/wms/findPage.do?dsp=fec&ci=17303&rsbci=0&f
ti=111&ti=0&sc=400
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) is the Republic of
Korea's national aerospace company, established in 1999 with
the consolidation of Samsung Aerospace, Daewoo Heavy
Industries and Hyundai Space and Aircraft Co. KAI lines of
business include fixed-wing aircraft, helicopter aircraft
and satellites. Its major products are the KF-16, KT-1 basic
trainer, T-50, SB427 helicopters, UAVs, aerostructures and
KOMPSAT satellite program.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin Corp.
employs about 135,000 people worldwide and is principally
engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture
and integration of advanced technology systems, products and
services. The corporation reported 2004 sales of $35.5
billion.
Media Contacts: Dexter Q. Henson
(dexter.q.henson@lmco.com)
817-655-7063 Jaenam Lee
(jnlee@koreaaero.com)
82-55-851-6024
For additional information, visit our
Web sites:
http://www.lockheedmartin.com
http://www.koreaaero.com |