Lockheed Martin flies T-50A

The T-50A pilot training aircraft being offered to the U.S. Air Force.

(Photo courtesy Lockheed Martin)

Lockheed Martin has conducted an initial flight test of its T-50A jet aircraft, which it is offering the Air Force in the Advanced Pilot Training competition.

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 5th Gen 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 5th Generation fighters."

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

Lockheed Martin is currently standing up its T-50A Final Assembly and Checkout site in Greenville, S.C.

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.

(Richard Tomkins - UPI)