Lockheed Martin Flies First T-50A Upgraded Aircraft for South Korean T-X Competition

Lockheed Martin has conducted an initial flight test of its T-50A jet aircraft.

The newly configured T-50A is a variant of the T-50 developed by Korea Aerospace Industries and Lockheed Martin.

The aircraft has a maximum speed of 1,020 miles per hour at 30,000 feet and a range of 1,150 miles.

"The aircraft in its new configuration with the fifth generation cockpit and other upgrades performed flawlessly," said Mark Ward, Lockheed Martin T-50A lead test pilot, after his flight in Sacheon, South Korea. "I have no doubt this aircraft will close the gap which currently exists between the trainer fleet and fifth generation fighters."

Lockheed Martin said the T-50A meets all APT competition requirements and has a ground-training system.

Details of the flight test were not disclosed.

The T-50 Golden Eagle trainer and light attack aircraft entered service with the South Korean Air Force in 2005.