The Korean Air Force expects to cut total training costs by 30 percent, or $600,000, as it rolls out its new flight training system, said Gen. Kim Eun-Gi, chief of staff of the Republic of Korea Air Force.

That’s sure to prick ears in the United Arab Emirates, which is looking to acquire a comprehensive training system.

South Korea has offered its new training program, which is centered on the new T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic jet. As well, Italy’s Alenia is pitching its Aeromacchi M346 jet for the advanced/lead-in segment of the UAE requirement. Brazil’s Embraer and Switzerland’s Pilatus have tendered for the basic trainer portion.

A decision may be handed down next year.

Developed to train pilots on the digital systems of today’s fourth- and fifth-generation fighters, the Korean Air Force’s new training system aims to cut total training hours by one-fifth, while boosting pilots’ skill levels by 40 percent, Kim said Nov. 10 at the 3rd Biennial Defense News Middle East Air Chiefs Conference, just before the Dubai air show.

Gen. Kim Eun-Gi’s presentation

The previous training system relied on analog systems used in the F-4 and F-5 jets.

Gen. Kim Eun-Gi’s remarks

The revamped program uses the Russian-built T-103 single-prop aircraft and the Korean-built KT-1 and T-50 training planes. The T-103 is used to screen pilots, and the ones who pass move on to the KT-1 for basic training. Advanced and lead-in training is done in the T-50, which is the lead-in trainer for South Korea’s F-16 fighter pilots.

This three-plane curriculum is meant to cut 53 flying hours and three nonflying ones from the course.

The T-50, which became operational at the beginning of the year, was developed by Korean Aerospace Industries in partnership with Lockheed Martin.

Indonesia has bought seven KT-1 trainers, while Turkey has bought 40 with an option for 15 more.

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