Meggitt began delivery of Braking Systems for AIDC XAT-5 Blue Magpie AJT for Taiwan.

Meggitt PLC has begun the delivery of the main wheels, carbon brakes and brake control systems of Taiwan's Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) XAT-5 Blue Magpie Advanced Jet Trainers (AJTs).

The XAT-5 Blue Magpie Advanced Jet Trainer (Picture Source: Taiwan Air Force)

The AJT is based on the current AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-Kuo Indigenous Defence Fighter (IDF) and will replace the ageing AT-3 Tzu Chung jet trainer. Both the AT-3 and the IDF are in service with Taiwan’s Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF).

The AJT shares the same Honeywell F125 turbofan engines with IDF but will have 80% new components including a composite body, have increased fuel capacity, and be slightly larger.

The AJT program’s development phase began in 2017 and is now entering the testing phase. The first flight is scheduled for 2020 and series production is set to commence in 2021 with an initial forecast of 66 jets.

Chris Allen, President of Airframe Systems at Meggitt said,” We are proud to continue our 50-year relationship with AIDC. Our braking systems are installed on the existing AT-3 trainer and the IDF Ching-Kuo fighter. This heritage will now continue with the Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT). “