EVENDALE, OHIO - An F404-GE-102 augmented turbofan engine, developed jointly by GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE) and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), powered the successful first flight, on August 20, of the KAI/Lockheed Martin T-50 advanced jet trainer.
Flight testing is being conducted by KAI near Sachon City in the Republic of Korea. Flight testing will be conducted through 2005.
The T-50 advanced jet trainer is a Republic of Korea indigenous program managed by the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) and KAI. KAI and Lockheed Martin will produce the T-50 for the ROKAF, which has announced plans to procure 94 aircraft initially. KAI and Lockheed Martin have also formed T-50 International to jointly market the aircraft to potential export customers.
The F404-GE-102 engine is a derivative of the F404-GE-402 that powers the Boeing F/A-18C/D strike fighter. Other models of the highly successful F404 engine program power the Lockheed Martin F-117A stealth fighter, the Saab/BAE JAS 39 fighter, Singapore's A-4SU attack aircraft, and India's LCA fighter. More than 3,700 F404s have been delivered to date and have exceeded 9.5 million engine flight hours in service.
The F404-GE-102, rated at 17,700 pounds (78.7 kN) thrust, incorporates single-engine redundancy and reliability features, plus an advanced FADEC (full authority digital electronic control) derived from GEs F414-GE-400 engine.
The initial production contract for the F404-GE-102 is expected in 2003, with delivery of the first T-50 trainer scheduled for 2005.
GEAE, a division of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is the world's leading manufacturer of jet engines for civil and military aircraft, including engines produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma Moteurs of France and GE. 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. Visit GEAE online at: http://www.geae.com.