T-5 Brave Eagle
Korean light combat aircraft, developed in the 21st century, designed primarily for basic flight training purposes.
| Crew | 2 |
| Length | 13.7 m (44.9 ft) |
| Wingspan | 9 m (29.5 ft) |
| Height | 4.6 m (15.1 ft) |
| Empty weight | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) |
| Powerplant | 2 × turbofans Honeywell F124-GA-200 2,835 kgf each |
| Ejection seat | Martin-Baker Mk 12 |
| Maximum speed | 1030 km/h (Mach 1.03) |
| Operational range | 1,350 km (839 mi) |
| Service ceiling | 13,000 m (42,651 ft) |
| Climb rate | 48.0 m/s (157.5 ft/s) |
Description
The AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle is a Taiwanese transonic advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft developed by the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) for the Republic of China Air Force. Derived from the AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-kuo, the aircraft was selected under the Advanced Jet Trainer program to replace Taiwan's fleet of AIDC AT-3 and Northrop F-5 aircraft. Designed for dual peacetime training and wartime combat roles, the first production T-5 made its initial flight on October 21, 2021.
Development
The Advanced Jet Trainer program began in the early 2000s to procure 66 new aircraft to replace existing trainers. The Ministry of National Defense evaluated the AT-3 MAX, the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master, the South Korean KAI T-50 Golden Eagle, and the XAT-5 proposal. In 2017, the XAT-5 was selected for development and production by a partnership of AIDC and the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) at a total program cost of TWD 68.6 billion (US$2.2 billion) for four prototypes. Originally codenamed Blue Magpie, the aircraft was officially named Brave Eagle on September 24, 2019. The first prototype, designated A1, rolled out in September 2019, followed by small-scale production in November 2021 and mass production in March 2023. As of May 2026, 56 of the 66 planned production aircraft have been delivered to the Republic of China Air Force.
Design
The T-5 is based on the F-CK-1 Ching-kuo but incorporates 80% new components, including a composite airframe, increased fuel capacity, and a revised aerofoil with thicker wings for low-speed and low-altitude stability. Over 55% of its components are produced in Taiwan, including Eaton-designed 3D-printed ram air scoops that replace 22 original components with two laser powder bed fusion parts. The aircraft is powered by two Honeywell/ITEC F124-200TW turbofan engines producing 27.8 kN of thrust each. External suppliers include Meggitt for wheels, carbon brakes, and brake control systems, and Martin-Baker for ejection seat systems. Avionics include an airborne AESA radar under development by NCSIST, with radar and communications antennas supplied by Pyras Technology.
Armament
The aircraft features two external hardpoints for weapons carriage. Provisions are installed to carry combinations of Sky Sword I, AIM-9, and AGM-65 missiles.
Operational History
Operational test flights were conducted by the Republic of China Air Force from Taitung Air Base over the Pacific Ocean in July 2021. On February 15, 2025, a T-5 suffered a dual engine failure and crashed into the sea five nautical miles off Taitung City; the sole pilot ejected safely. Following the accident, the Republic of China Air Force grounded the T-5 fleet pending an investigation, and the aircraft's flight data recorder was recovered in March 2025.