AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle

Defense Systems Full Specifications

The AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle, also known as the Yung Ying, is Taiwan’s indigenous advanced jet trainer developed to prepare pilots for modern combat aircraft. Designed by Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) with support from Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, the aircraft is derived from the F-CK-1 Ching-Kuo design but incorporates substantial new components and a dedicated two-seat training configuration.

The T-5 is intended to replace Taiwan’s aging AT-3 trainers and the F-5E/F aircraft used for lead-in fighter training. Its glass cockpit, digital flight controls and modern training systems are designed to help pilots transition toward frontline aircraft such as the F-16V and F-CK-1.

Manufacturer and Development

AIDC manufactures the T-5 in Taiwan, while NCSIST contributed to its development. The prototype made its first flight on June 10, 2020, and the first production aircraft entered service in 2021. Taiwan plans to acquire 66 aircraft.

Speed, Range and Power

The aircraft uses two Honeywell/ITEC F124-200TW non-afterburning turbofan engines, each producing about 27.8 kN (6,250 lbf) of thrust. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense lists a maximum speed of Mach 0.97, maximum range of 1,058 nautical miles, and service ceiling of 40,000 feet.

The T-5 can also support limited weapons training and light-attack missions. Publicly reported compatible weapons include Sky Sword I, AIM-9 Sidewinder and AGM-65 Maverick.

Cost and Program

Taiwan’s overall T-5 development and production program has been reported at approximately NT$68.6 billion, or about US$2.2 billion at commonly cited exchange rates. Public sources have estimated individual aircraft costs around US$20 million to US$30 million, depending on whether development costs and program overhead are included.

The T-5 is primarily a sovereign Taiwanese training program rather than an export-focused aircraft.

Variants