This has been in the works for such a long time, and is likely to continue in the near term.Singapore has been assessing the Korea Aerospace Industries T-50 (above) and Aermacchi M-346 (below) for its advanced jet trainer competition. Flight trials, from what we understand, are over and negotiations are ongoing between Singapore and the manufacturers.
We are still not sure what is causing the hold-up - some sources are telling me that Singapore is trying to find out the USA's initial preference before making a decision. That will be significant, given the island's close relationship with the US military.
We'll definitely try to find out more next week, when both the T-50 and M-346 teams (and their aircraft) will be in Singapore and making a case for their product.
on January 29, 2010 8:08 AM | Reply
Is it just me or does the T-50 look like the love child of an F-18 and and F-16? I just want to put it in my pocket. The M346 on the other hand might ruin my trousers.
on February 2, 2010 3:04 AM | Reply
Well, USAF's T-X preference is T-50. T-50 has a greater parts commonality with F-16 and F/A-18 than F-35 variants do amongst themselves, so selecting T-50 is a no-brainer for the USAF in terms of maintenance. Furthermore, the USAF which needs a real supersonic trainer to train F-35 pilots. M-346 and Hawk Mk. 128 aren't supersonic.
on February 2, 2010 12:19 PM | Reply
Hmmm..... Kimchi burger or pesto burger? Which is the better combo? Personally, I opt for Kimchi burger. It will spice up your life. Pesto and burger dont mix well either. Besides, kimchi has a longer shelf-life. :-)
on February 7, 2010 7:16 PM | Reply
The question that people keep asking is if there is a need for supersonic trainers. Both can do the job for existing multi-role fighters like the Typhoon, F/A-18E/F and F-16. The question then is which can help pilots move up to the F-35 or F-22. That has to be answered.
on April 20, 2010 9:48 AM | Reply
Hi TL,
I don't know about exact costs or how the purchase will be structured but I think the T-50 is more expensive in the medium to long run.
First, its bigger size and weight along with afterburning engine will make training flights and therefore operational costs very expensive.
Second, it only has a single engine and no fully redundant independent systems. So if something happens it can be dangerous for inexperienced pilots.
Would be interested in knowing what you think.
Best,
KJ
on July 5, 2010 9:04 AM | Reply
In the end, it was the M-346 that Singapore chose to train its pilots.
As the article from defencenews suggest, this is the second time the M-346 edges out the T-50 perhaps setting a pattern.