Jet training fighter completes 1st test

Korea's first supersonic training fighter, the Golden Eagle T-50, had a successful test flight, the Korean Air Force said Tuesday. The plane took off from an air base in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang province, at 4 p.m. and completed the whole initial test flight.

Korea Aerospace Industries, in conjunction with the United States' Lockheed Martin and other domestic and foreign aerospace companies, developed the trainer. It made its first appearance last October.

The T-50 is designed to function both as a training fighter and a light air raider. As a trainer it can expose pilots to simulations of the world's best jet fighters, including the F-16, F-15, F-22 and Rafale. The aerospace company plans to ship 800 fighters worth $30 billion by 2030.