LYNN, Massachusetts--The Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd. (STW) has awarded GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE) an engine production contract valued at $80 million for F404-GE-102 engines for the T-50 advanced jet trainer/fighter lead-in trainer (AJT/LIFT).
The T-50 advanced jet trainer is a Republic of Korea indigenous program managed by the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). KAI will produce the T-50 AJT/LIFT for the ROKAF, which has approved the initial production of 94 aircraft and has funded for 25 aircraft. Production of the T-50 will begin in 2005. There is a potential for more than 600 aircraft for international sales.
The production contract calls for the delivery of 27 F404-GE-102 engines, as well as logistics support. First engine delivery is scheduled for 2005. In addition, ROKAF has an option to purchase 83 additional F404-GE-102 engines, plus logistic support, with a total value of $160M. If options are exercised, engine deliveries will continue through 2010.
Flight-testing of a T-50 full-scale development (FSD) aircraft powered by an F404-GE-102 engine with full afterburner capability began in August 2002. The -102 is a derivative of the successful F404-GE-402 Enhanced Performance Engine (EPE). The -102 retains the -402's improved fuel efficiency, plus advanced technology and materials in the turbine and afterburner sections. The -102 also displays the excellent operability and durability characteristics inherent in the F404 family of engines. The engine offers the benefits of commonality with the more than 3700 F404 engines that power: the F/A-18 Hornet fighter/attack aircraft of the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Marine Corps, and the governments of Canada, Australia, Spain, Kuwait, Finland, Switzerland, and Malaysia; the U.S. Air Force F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter; Sweden's JAS 39 Gripen; Singapore's A-4 Skyhawk; and now Korea's T-50 advanced jet trainer/fighter lead-in trainer. These engines have established an outstanding record of reliability while accumulating more than 11 million engine flight hours in service throughout the world.
From the F414-GE-400 engine that powers the U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet strike/attack aircraft, the -102 incorporates single-engine safety features and a new full-authority digital electronic control (FADEC) system.
GEAE, a part of GE Transportation, is an operating component of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE). GEAE is the world's leading manufacturer of jet engines for civil and military aircraft. GEAE also manufactures gas turbines, derived from its highly successful jet engine programs, for marine and industrial applications. In addition, GEAE provides comprehensive maintenance support, through its GE Engine Services operation, for GE and non-GE jet engines in service throughout the world.