SEOUL - GE's F404-GE-102 has successfully completed all propulsion qualification for the single-engine T-50 advanced jet trainer/light fighter during its flight test program, paving the way for introduction of the T-50 at the Korean Aerospace and Defense Exhibition this week.
The test campaign has accumulated over 1000 flights, and encompassed verification of altitude performance, maneuver envelope and handling characteristics -- including unrestricted throttle movements throughout the flight regime.
Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd (KAI) has developed the T-50 Golden Eagle for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), which has announced plans to initially procure 94 aircraft. GE is under contract to deliver 27 engines, with the follow-on contract anticipated. KAI and Lockheed Martin have also formed T-50 International to jointly market the aircraft to potential export customers. Initial production engines were shipped to Samsung Techwin Co. in March 2005.
GE also offers a full range of customized Performance Based Logistics (PBL) and aftermarket services for the F404/F414 family of engines that are designed to optimize availability and minimize operating costs. For select programs, PBLs have improved component availability to 95%, while cutting depot turn-times and scrap by 30%.
F404 is one of the most successful fighter engine families in military aviation history. More than 4,000 F404 engines have been delivered, powering F/A-18 Hornets of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, USAF F-117 Stealth Fighters, as well as Hornets for the air forces of Australia, Canada, Finland, Kuwait, Malaysia, Spain, and Switzerland. In addition to the T-50 Golden Eagle, F404 derivatives power India's Light Combat Aircraft, Singapore's A-4SU Super Skyhawk and Sweden's JAS 39 Gripen.
GE Transportation - Aircraft Engines, a part of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is one of the world's leading manufacturers of jet engines for civil and military aircraft.