Aircraft
KAI Unveils T-X Contender, Pursues T-50 Exports
The advanced jet trainer that was developed with Lockheed Martin, shows new features for the U.S. T-X competition
The Korean T-50 jet trainer design shows modifications for the forthcoming T-X competition in the U.S. (photo: KAI)
The Korean T-50 jet trainer design shows modifications for the forthcoming T-X competition in the U.S. (photo: KAI)

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) unveiled the version of its T-50 jet trainer series that its partner Lockheed Martin will propose for the U.S. Air Force T-X competition. In a ceremony at KAI’s Sacheon facility that was fronted by Korean president Park Guen-Hye, the company revealed the actual development aircraft. Compared with a standard T-50, it has a dorsal extension from the rear cockpit to the tail, possibly containing an inflight refueling receptacle and plumbing. The other main change is likely to be a single, large-screen cockpit display, replacing the five smaller screens.