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Flight testing of the T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic trainer continues to go well, as air start flight testing of the F404-GE-102 jet engine and external stores testing recently began. Flight testing with captive AIM-9 air-to-air missiles was initiated last year, and the first flight with external fuel tanks occurred on 7 February. These initial flights are to verify the T-50 aircraft's stability and control, flutter, and handling qualities with stores. Later flights will verify its performance, stores functionality and interfaces, and stores separation. Air start testing involves intentionally shutting down the engine in flight and restarting it. The initial tests are designed to verify the air start envelope and procedures.
KAI Photo By Chang Soo Lee
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