KAI T-50 Golden Eagle

The supersonic trainer built to prepare pilots for modern fighter aircraft.

Overview

Korea Aerospace Industries Korea, South ICAO: T-50 1900–Present $21 million (2008)

The KAI T-50 Golden Eagle is a supersonic advanced jet trainer developed in South Korea. Entering service in the mid-2000s, it was designed to train pilots transitioning to frontline fighters. The aircraft also serves in light attack variants.

Live Fleet Activity (T-50)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × General Electric F404-102
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
17,700 lbf · 79 kN
Avionics
Honeywell H-764
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
43 ft 1 in  ·  13.14 m
Tail height
16 ft 2 in  ·  4.94 m
Fuselage diameter
3 ft 3 in  ·  1.00 m
Wing span
31 ft 0 in  ·  9.45 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
27,100 lb  ·  12,300 kg
Max landing weight
22,700 lb  ·  10,300 kg
Max payload
12,900 lb  ·  5,850 kg
Fuel capacity
730 gal · 2,800 L · 2,200 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
992 kt  ·  1,142 mph  ·  1,837 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
130 kt  ·  150 mph  ·  241 km/h
Range
999 nm  ·  1,150 mi  ·  1,850 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
48,000 ft  ·  14,600 m
Rate of climb
39,000 ft/min  ·  198 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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T 50 Golden Eagle Demo flight

Live fleet activity details

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All Active Aircraft Types
Flight Airline Reg Alt Speed Heading V/S

Operational Context

KAI T-50 Golden Eagle — supersonic advanced jet trainer

The T-50 first flew in 2002 and entered service in 2005. Developed with international collaboration, it features a modern glass cockpit and swept wing configuration. The aircraft is capable of supersonic flight, providing realistic training for advanced combat aircraft.

Powered by a General Electric F404 turbofan engine producing approximately 17,700 pounds of thrust (78.7 kN) with afterburner, the T-50 exceeds Mach 1.5. Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 27,000 pounds (12,247 kg). The tandem cockpit accommodates instructor and student pilots.

The T-50 has been exported to multiple countries for pilot training. It forms the basis of light combat variants within the Golden Eagle family. The aircraft marked a significant milestone in South Korea’s aerospace development.