The T-50 Golden Eagle advanced jet trainer made its aerial debut and showcased its versatility today at the Korea Aerospace & Defense Exhibition, also known as the Seoul Air Show. The aircraft was developed and is being marketed worldwide by Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) with the assistance of Lockheed Martin .

Noted for its maneuverability, supersonic speed and ease of operation, the T-50 is an economical solution to prepare pilots to fly current advanced aircraft, such as Lockheed Martin's advanced F-16 or fifth generation F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

"I personally hope the T-50 is recognized as the most powerful, high- energy jet trainer in the world through this air show demonstration flight," said Lt. Col. Choong-hwan Lee, Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) T-50 test pilot. "The demonstrations of high-G turns, inverted flight, loop, loaded roll, slow flight and a short field landing during the flight were incredible."

The T-50's advanced performance features 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, soon available to air forces around the world subject to U.S. government approval.

KAI is conducting ground and flight tests of two production aircraft for delivery to ROKAF later this year. Currently, there are five T-50s in final assembly and four in major assembly. ROKAF operation of the Golden Eagle will begin in early 2006. KAI sources said the company could deliver the T-50 to foreign customers within three years after contract subject to U.S. government approval.

"We are very proud to demonstrate the capabilities of the T-50 at this air show," said Hae-Joo Chung, KAI president.

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 the prime contractor for the program, and Lockheed Martin is assisting with the development and international marketing of the new high- performance trainer. The two companies are joint participants in international marketing of the T-50.

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 potential international customers, many observing it for the first time at this show.

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.

  For additional information, visit our Web sites:
                      http://www.lockheedmartin.com/
                         http://www.koreaaero.com/

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company; Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd.