Taiwan’s Brave Eagle Leaves the Nest | Aviation International News

Taiwan’s Brave Eagle Leaves the Nest

Based on the design of the F-CK-1 fighter, the T-5 is now in the early days of its service with the Republic of China Air Force.

Externally, the T-5 resembles the F-CK-1 fighter upon which it is based, but the design carries new features for the training role. (Photo: AIDC)

By Jon Lake

February 12, 2022

Taiwan’s Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) T-5 Yung Yin (Brave Eagle) has entered service with the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF). The second of two production Brave Eagle advanced jet trainers arrived at Taitung Air Base in Taiwan on December 22 last year, where it joined the first low-rate initial production (LRIP) aircraft, delivered on November 28. For the ceremonial delivery, the first prototype (with AIDC chairman Hu Kaihong in the back seat) accompanied the new aircraft, and the first LRIP aircraft escorted the pair to Taitung, flying a neat Vic formation over the base before landing.

The first cadre of T-5 instructors successfully completed the first phase of training on November 12. The six pilots came from the Air Force Academy, the 1st Fighter Wing, the 3rd Fighter Wing, and the 7th Fighter Training Wing, and received training from two instructors from the Aviation Development Center.

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