First flight success for Taiwan’s AT-5 Brave Eagle

The Republic of China Air Force plans to procure at least 66 AT-5s to equip two training units

Asia Times
Date: June 15, 2020
By: Dave Makichuk

Taiwan’s indigenous aircraft industry has taken a big step forward, as the first prototype of the Taiwanese AT-5 advanced jet trainer (AJT) has flown for the first time, AINonline reported.

The maiden flight of the first of two flying prototypes took place on June 10 at Ching Chuan Kang air base, perfectly in tune with the development schedule announced last year, the Ministry of National Defense announced.

Built by the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation, the AT-5 prototype flew for around 20 minutes, with its undercarriage extended throughout the flight, the report said.

It was escorted by two examples of the two-seat F-CK-1D chase planes upon which the AT-5 is based.    [FULL  STORY]