AFP modernization program now in high gear — AFP chief
The FA-50PH has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 “Sidewinder” air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons The FA-50PH design is largely derived from the F-16 “Fighting Falcon” and they have many similarities: use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons
WITH the arrival of the brand-new South Koreanmade FA-50PH light-interim fighter aircraft and other new military equipment, the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is now truly in high gear.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri made the statement during his speech at the 80th founding anniversary of the AFP held at the Clark Air Base in the city yesterday.
“The high flight of our newly-acquired FA-50 leadin fight jets, together with our newly (acquired) platforms and defense equipment, (shows that) our modernization program is definitely rolling forward in high gear,” he added.
AFP modernization
Iriberri said the success of the ongoing AFP modernization program can be attributed to President Benigno C. Aquino III.
“Our Commander-in Chief’s resolve and commitment, our commemoration today is therefore a tribute to the passage in real life of our unbroken line of heroes who deserve better ways and bet- ter means to fight with, this is also a dedication and drive of every Filipino soldier, sailor, airmen and marines and our partners in protecting the people and securing the state,” the AFP chief said.
The first two FA-50PHs, which arrived in the Philippines on Nov. 28, is part of the 12-plane order deal, worth P18.9 billion, signed by the Department of National Defense and Korea Aerospace Industries in March 2014.
Other military assets delivered and completed this year include the three C-295 medium transport planes, eight AW-109 attack helicopters, and five Bell 205 combat utility helicopters, all for the use of the Philippine Air Force.
The country’s newest fighter jets made history by making two ceremonial high-speed passes during the AFP anniversary celebration yesterday.
The flights took place over Clark Air Base, a former United States Air Force base in Angeles City, Pampanga.
Low-level pass
The Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)-built lightinterim fighter aircraft made a 350-knot, low-level pass as General Iriberri was concluding his anniversary speech.
“Fellow soldiers on this 80th AFP anniversary, let us be grateful for the blessings of our country and the value of freedom and democracy for which countless of our fellow soldiers had offered their lives. Let us once more bear ourselves to our duties with the values of honor, service and patriotism and let us all carry on with our country’s colors held high to advance and transform to protect the people and secure the state,” Iriberri said.
The jets made another pass as President Aquino ended his anniversary message to the military after Iriberri’s speech.
The FA-50PH has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles, including the AIM9 “Sidewinder” air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons.
It will act as the country’s interim fighter until the Philippines gets enough experience of operating fast jet assets and money to fund the acquisition of more capable fighter aircraft.
The FA-50PH design is largely derived from the F-16 “Fighting Falcon” and they have many similarities: use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons.
KAI’s previous engineering experience in license-producing the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the FA-50PH.
The aircraft can carry two pilots in tandem seating. The high-mounted canopy developed by Hankuk Fiber is applied with stretched acrylic, providing the pilots with good visibility, and has been tested to offer the canopy with ballistic protection against fourpound objects impacting at 400 knots.
Airframe
The altitude limit is 14,600 meters (48,000 feet), and airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service.
There are seven internal fuel tanks with capacity of 2,655 liters (701 US gallons) — five in the fuselage and two in the wings.
An additional 1,710 liters (452 US gallons) of fuel can be carried in the three external fuel tanks.
Trainer variants have a paint scheme of white and red, and aerobatic variants white, black, and yellow.