Golden Eagle Milestones

The supersonic T-50 Golden Eagle advanced jet trainer attained several significant milestones last fall: achieving maximum load factors of +8 g and -3 g; reaching maximum operating speed of 675 knots calibrated air speed (which corresponds to 815 knots true air speed) and 1.3 Mach (which represents the highest dynamic air pressure on the aircraft); beginning stores separation testing with the release of a 150-gallon fuel tank; and completing second-lifetime structural durability testing. All ground structural testing is complete. The flight test program is approximately eighty percent complete. The T-50 is being developed by Korea Aerospace Industries with assistance from Lockheed Martin.