Lockheed Martin T50 Golden Eagle

The supersonic trainer built to prepare pilots for modern fighters.

Overview

Lockheed Martin United States ICAO: K50 2005–Present $22 million (2016)

The Lockheed Martin T-50 Golden Eagle is an advanced supersonic trainer developed in partnership with Korea Aerospace Industries. Designed to bridge the gap between basic training and frontline fighters, it incorporates modern avionics and performance characteristics. The aircraft also serves in light attack variants.

Live Fleet Activity (K50)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × General Electric F404-102
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 17,700 lbf · 79 kN
Avionics
Lockheed Martin Advanced Avionics
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
42 ft 7 in  ·  12.98 m
Tail height
15 ft 8 in  ·  4.78 m
Fuselage diameter
3 ft 3 in  ·  1.00 m
Wing span
30 ft 1 in  ·  9.17 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
29,800 lb  ·  13,500 kg
Max landing weight
22,700 lb  ·  10,300 kg
Max payload
10,000 lb  ·  4,550 kg
Fuel capacity
880 gal · 3,300 L · 2,700 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
990 kt  ·  1,139 mph  ·  1,833 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
130 kt  ·  150 mph  ·  241 km/h
Range
1,000 nm  ·  1,150 mi  ·  1,850 km
Fuel burn
1.62 nm/gal  ·  0.79 km/L
Ceiling
48,000 ft  ·  14,600 m
Rate of climb
39,000 ft/min  ·  198 m/s
Takeoff distance
1,310 ft  ·  400 m
Landing distance
1,710 ft  ·  520 m
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Lockheed Martin T-50A Golden Eagle

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Operational Context

Lockheed Martin T-50 Golden Eagle — supersonic advanced jet trainer

The T-50 first flew in 2002 as part of a joint development program between South Korea and the United States. Entering service in the mid-2000s, it was designed with handling qualities similar to contemporary fighter aircraft. The platform forms the basis for trainer and light combat variants.

Powered by a single General Electric F404 turbofan engine producing approximately 17,700 pounds of thrust (79 kN) with afterburner, the T-50 can exceed Mach 1.5. Maximum takeoff weight is about 26,000 pounds (11,800 kg). The tandem cockpit features advanced glass displays and fly-by-wire controls.

The T-50 family has been adopted by several air forces for advanced pilot training. Its supersonic performance allows realistic preparation for modern multirole fighters. The aircraft represents a successful example of international aerospace collaboration.