The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) recently began flight testing the multimode control radar of the Lead-In Fighter Trainer (LIFT) version of the T-50 Golden Eagle, a supersonic jet trainer being developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) with Lockheed Martin as the principal subcontractor.

"The air-to-ground radar modes are performing well," said Lt. Col. Kwon, Hee Man, one of the ROKAF T-50 test pilots. "If the follow-on tests are as successful, this radar will more than meet the needs for the LIFT role and has very good potential for future use in a multirole combat derivative of this aircraft, should one be developed."

The APG-67(V)4 multimode fire control radar is produced by Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors, located in Moorestown, N.J. It is a highly upgraded derivative of the radar employed on other military aircraft.

Airborne radar testing will be conducted on the two T-50 LIFT flight-test aircraft. Approximately 80 flights are expected over an eight-month period, with completion planned next summer. The flight testing will be used to validate the development of this new derivative radar and its integration and operation in the T-50. Testing will involve all modes of the radar: air-to- air, air-to-ground and air-to-sea operation.

The T-50 LIFT version (referred to as A-50 by the ROKAF) differs from the advanced jet trainer version with the addition of the radar and an internal gun.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The T-50 Golden Eagle is being developed by KAI for the Republic of Korea Air Force. Lockheed Martin, as principal subcontractor to KAI, is providing technical expertise for the program and is responsible for developing the T-50 avionics system, flight control system and wings. The two companies are cooperatively marketing the T-50 internationally.

Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. 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.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., a business area of Lockheed Martin, is a leader in the design, development, systems integration, production and support of advanced military aircraft and related technologies. ts customers include the military services of the United States and allied countries throughout the world. Products include the F-16, F/A-22, F-35 JSF, F-117, T-50, C-5, C-27J, C-130, C-130J, P-3, S-3 and U-2.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin Corp. employs about 125,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2002 sales of $26.6 billion.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company