Korean FA-50 as new adversary trainer?

While most of the world’s tactical and adversary training facilities still rely on the venerable Aero L-39 Albatross, the International Test Pilots School (ITPS), Canada Ltd looks at the future.

ITPS has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Korean Aerospace Industries to promote the KAI FA-50 for tactical and adversary training. According to ITPS the aircraft’s performance, flying qualities and mission capabilities make it the ideal platform for tactical and adversary training missions and a great fit for ITPS to replace the L-39 fleet.

With a completely new aircraft supported by the manufacturer and with the associated engineering and logistical support, ITPS expects to ensure reliable and cost-effective operations into the future. And, as one can imagine, Korean Aerospace Industries sees ITPS as a fastlane to gain access to the lucrative US market.

At their facilities at London International Airport (ONT) ITPS houses the International Tactical Training Center (ITTC) which provides advanced fighter pilot training including Fighter Weapons Instructor Courses, Advanced Tactics Courses and Mission Commander courses to international customers. ITTC is currently providing Fighter Lead-In Training (FLIT) to the Royal Malaysian Air Force, the first course of which started in January 2020.

ITTC currently operates a fleet of Aero Vodochody L-29 (C-FLVB and C-FXZI) and L-39 (C-GFNJ, C-GFNO, and C-GTOZ) aircraft, next to a variety of aircraft types ranging from a Diamond DA-20 to a Grumman HU-16 Albatross. The L-39s feature upgraded avionics for the FLIT programme. Two Hawker Hunters, Hunter T75 WV318 and Hunter T7 XL616, are not operational yet but will be as soon as the extensive cockpit upgrades are finished and flight test instrumentation installed.

Photos: Mike Reyno (L-29), ITPS and KAI