Jet Trainer / Light Attack
KAI T-50 Golden Eagle / FA-50
The KAI T-50 Golden Eagle is a supersonic advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft developed by Korea Aerospace Industries with Lockheed Martin in South Korea, in service since 2005. Its FA-50 light fighter version has been exported to Poland, the Philippines, Iraq and others.
South Korea|Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) & Lockheed MartinWhat Is the KAI T-50 Golden Eagle? Overview, History and Development
The T-50 first flew on 20 August 2002 and entered ROKAF service on 22 February 2005. It uses one GE F404-102 turbofan of 78.7 kN with afterburner and fly-by-wire controls, and reaches about Mach 1.5 (1,840 km/h) with a range of about 1,850 km. The armed TA-50 and FA-50 carry a 20 mm M61A1 gun and seven hardpoints for AIM-9 missiles, Maverick missiles and bombs.
More than 200 aircraft have been built, and production continues at Sacheon. South Korea operates 142, Poland has 48 FA-50 on order for about US$3 billion, Iraq 24, Thailand 14, Indonesia 22, the Philippines 12 and Malaysia 18 on order. The type lost the USAF T-X contest to the Boeing and Saab T-7A in 2018. Rivals include the M-346, Yak-130 and Hürjet.
KAI T-50 Golden Eagle Specifications: Speed, Range, Engines and Armament
KAI T-50 Golden Eagle Variants and Versions Compared
The basic supersonic jet trainer, with export versions T-50i for Indonesia and T-50TH for Thailand.
A lead-in fighter trainer with radar and an internal gun, used to prepare pilots for frontline fighters.
The light combat version with radar and air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, including FA-50PH, the Polish FA-50GF and the newer Block 70.
Which Countries Use the KAI T-50 Golden Eagle? Operators and Users
South Korea
Indonesia
Iraq
Philippines
Thailand
PolandKAI T-50 Golden Eagle FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How much does the FA-50 cost?
An FA-50 costs roughly US$30–60 million per aircraft depending on the version. The Philippine FA-50PH was about US$45 million, while Polish FA-50 Block 70 aircraft are around US$60–70 million including weapons and logistics support.
How fast is the T-50 Golden Eagle?
The KAI T-50 Golden Eagle has a top speed of about Mach 1.5, or roughly 1,840 km/h. It uses one GE F404-102 turbofan of 78.7 kN with afterburner and has a service ceiling of about 14,630 m.
Which countries use the FA-50 and T-50?
The T-50 family is used by South Korea, Indonesia, Iraq, the Philippines, Thailand and Poland, with Malaysia having 18 FA-50M on order. South Korea is the largest operator with 142 aircraft across trainer and combat versions.
FA-50 vs F-16: which is better?
The F-16 is the more capable fighter, with a stronger engine, longer reach and a wider weapons range, while the FA-50 is a cheaper light fighter. The FA-50 is not designed for air superiority, but it costs much less to buy and fly.
Why did Poland buy the FA-50?
Poland bought 48 FA-50 aircraft for about US$3 billion in 2022 to replace its retired MiG-29 and Su-22 fleets after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It chose the type because it could be delivered quickly, with first deliveries starting in 2023.
Is the FA-50 a fighter?
The FA-50 is a light multirole combat aircraft, often described as a fourth-generation light fighter. It carries a gun, AIM-9 missiles and ground-attack weapons, but it is based on a trainer and does not match heavier fighters.