Taiwan’s new Brave Eagle advanced jet trainer has been deployed to Taitung’s Chihhang air base on Apr. 21. The AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle (YÇ’ngyÄ«ng) is a supersonic advanced jet trainer under development by the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) of Taiwan. It has been reported that the aircraft was designed from the beginning to serve dual peacetime training and wartime combat roles. Chihhang is currently home to Taiwan’s Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II fleet.
The design is based on the AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-Kuo and shares the same engines, but will have 80% new components including a composite body. Compared to the F-CK-1, it will have more advanced avionics, increased fuel capacity, and will be a little larger. The aerofoil is slightly revised, with the wings being thicker than on the F-CK-1 in order to increase stability at low speed and low altitude, as well as to provide increased fuel storage.
The ram air scoop of the F-CK-1 has been redesigned in partnership with the Eaton Corporation with two aluminum laser powder bed fusion printed parts replacing 22 original parts. Meggitt will supply the main wheels, carbon brakes and brake control systems as they do on the AT-3 and F-CK-1.[18] Martin-Baker will provide the ejection seat systems. More than 55% of its components are made in Taiwan.
