[Military Story] First Civilian Boarding... The Running Instinct of TA-50

Air Force 1st Fighter Wing Flight Training Experience
Racing at 200 km/h on the Runway

At the outbreak of the Korean War on June 25, our Air Force did not have a single fighter jet. There were only 22 trainers and liaison aircraft. The first domestically produced airplane was made in 1953 during the Korean War. Instructors from the Air Force Technical School’s maintenance training unit built the ‘Buhwalho,’ a ‘domestic aircraft,’ using parts such as engines and propellers from American liaison aircraft. Seventy years have passed since then. Now, not only fighter jets but also trainers are made directly by our own hands. To become an Air Force fighter pilot, one must fly various trainers. From introductory (KT-100) to basic (KT-1), advanced (T-50), and tactical introduction (TA-50), all trainers must be completed within two years. All these trainers are domestically produced. To fly the tactical introduction trainer (TA-50), known as the final gateway before fighter pilots are assigned to their first unit, we visited the Air Force’s 1st Fighter Wing located in Gwangju Metropolitan City, Jeollado.

A reporter from this newspaper became the first civilian to board the advanced trainer TA-50 Block 2 and experience the 'hi-taxing' training. (Photo by Air Force)

Slogans were posted everywhere at the airbase. ‘First and Best.’ It means first in defending the homeland and best in mission execution. Various trainers roared through the sky, making it clear that this was an Air Force base. The training on this day was ‘hi-taxing.’ It is a training exercise where the fighter jet runs at 200 km/h just before taking off on a 3 km runway. A military official praised the nervous reporter, saying, “You are the first civilian to board the TA-50 Block 2.”

The TA-50 Block 2 is a model the Air Force began introducing last year. While naval vessels use the term ‘batch’ for upgraded models, ground weapons, fighter jets, and guided missiles use the term ‘block.’ The TA-50 Block 2 is the latest trainer equipped with precision-guided bomb (JDAM) operation capability and lighting devices suitable for night vision equipment, enhancing its night flight ability. It also improved the aircraft’s self-protection capabilities against enemy attacks through radar warning receivers and countermeasure dispensing systems (CMDS).

Fighter Pilots Must Endure Up to 11 Times Gravity

Before boarding the fighter jet, we visited the aviation equipment room. There, we put on the flight suit, harness that connects the seat and pilot’s body, survival vest, and G-suit (Anti-G suit). The G-suit is clothing worn by fighter pilots to withstand gravitational forces. The gravitational load felt by ordinary people standing on the ground is 1G, and the gravity felt on fast amusement park rides like the Viking is 2G. However, fighter pilots must endure a load of 9G in the air. When performing sharp turns or rapid movements in horizontal and vertical directions, fighter pilots experience pressures up to 11G, eleven times the force of gravity. This is a moment when pilots can lose consciousness. Loss of consciousness due to gravity is called ‘G-LOC.’ If a pilot experiences G-LOC, the fighter jet crashes. To prevent this, pilots wear G-suits. Wearing all the gear felt like putting on several custom-tailored suits all over the body. After securing the safety straps to both legs, movement felt awkward.

In the aircraft equipment room, the pilot wore the flight suit, harness that connects the seat and the pilot's body, survival vest, and G-suit (Anti-G suit). (Photo by Air Force)

TA-50 Can Be Immediately Deployed for Attack in Wartime

The TA-50 inside the runway hangar (igloo) looked identical to the light attack aircraft FA-50. This is because it is a trainer that can also be used in wartime situations. The fighter pilot checked the exterior while referring to the inspection checklist. Even in bright daylight, the pilot shone a light to inspect. They checked sensors that detect altitude and speed, as well as for any foreign objects in the engine air intake. There were about 60 inspection items. Then, the pilot climbed into the rear seat. On the upper right monitor, the instrument panel showing the engine status was visible. Just below, a palm-sized screen transmitted a camera view of the front, which was not visible from the rear seat. With the help of a military official, the pilot began fastening the seatbelt. Both feet, waist, and shoulders were secured. Movement was impossible. Wearing the helmet and oxygen mask made breathing difficult. Confusing English mixed with unknown sounds came from inside the helmet. The pilot said, “Oxygen is supplied when the engine starts, so please hold on for a moment.” Once the engine started, breathing became comfortable. However, the heart was pounding as if it would burst from excessive tension.

The fighter jet's engine had to be started for oxygen to be supplied inside the mask. (Photo by Air Force)

Engine Roars and Then a 200 km/h Dash

The headset heard the phrase “Ground Taxi.” It meant to move from the gate to the runway and taxi on the ground as instructed by ground control. The trainer naturally exited the igloo and moved to the runway. Several T-50 advanced trainers were visible on the left. Before the pilot could get distracted, the trainer arrived at the runway. The mouth began to dry. The TA-50 was ready to sprint like a wild animal eyeing its prey. The engine started roaring. The pilot confirmed communication with the control tower and greeted the reporter with a brief “Are you ready?” Then, the trainer began racing down the runway. The body was pressed against the seat. Blood rushed to the back. In less than five seconds, the trainer passed halfway down the runway. The maximum speed was 200 km/h. As the speed decreased, the trainer approached the end of the runway. It was over in an instant. At the runway’s end, Major Choi Seon-yeong, who was piloting, said, “Good job.”

Major Choi said, “I am an instructor at the wing, and I feel proud to be able to teach juniors with the latest aircraft. I will train excellent fighter pilots with better flying skills.”