AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle vs Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet

FORCETALLY

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ATrainer aircraft

Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet

Light attack and advanced trainer aircraft

Credit

Tim Felce (Airwolfhound) · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Resized · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source ↗ · Modified

First system

Second system

At a glance

Side by side

Length comparisonOne shared metre scale

AIDC T-5 Brave EagleLength

14.5 m

Length source ↗

Dassault/Dornier Alpha JetClose-support version · Length

13.23 m

Length source ↗

Lengths retain their source configuration and measurement scope.

Measured figures

Head to head

22 of 41 rows sourced on both sides

14.5m

13.23mClose-support version · Length

Length

All recorded figures & sources

14.5 m

Length

Single source

14.5 m (47.6 ft)^[source]

13.23 m

Close-support version · Length

Single source

Configuration

Details

AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle and Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet configuration
Specification	AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle	Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet
Type	Advanced jet trainer^[source]	Light attack and advanced trainer aircraft^[source]
National origin	Taiwan^[source]	France / West Germany^[source]
Manufacturer	Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation^[source]	Dassault Aviation / Dornier Flugzeugwerke^[source]
Designer	Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation and National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology

Status	In service^[source]	In service^[source]

Primary user	Republic of China Air Force^[source]	—

Number built	4 prototypes and 56 serials (May 2026)^[source]	480^[source]

Manufactured	2020–2026^[source]	1973–1991^[source]

Introduction date	2021^[source]	4 November 1977^[source]

First flight	June 10, 2020^[source]	26 October 1973^[source]

Developed from	AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-kuo^[source]	—

Hardpoints	2 (fitted for but not with ) , with provisions to carry combinations of:^[source]	5 with a capacity of 2,500 kg (5,512 lb), with provisions to carry combinations of:^[source]

Missiles	Sky Sword I , AIM-9 and AGM-65 (fitted for but not with )^[source]	Two AIM-9 Sidewinders ; two Matra Magic IIs ; two AGM-65 Mavericks^[source]

Role	Taiwanese transonic advanced jet trainer aircraft^[source]	light attack jet and advanced jet trainer co-manufactured^[source]

Source measurement	The Advanced Jet Trainer Program (AJT) began in the early 2000s as the Republic of China Air Force sought a replacement for its fleet of AIDC AT-3 and Northrop F-5 advanced trainers with 66 newly built aircraft. Three designs were proposed, a modernized, upgraded version of AT-3 branded as the AT-3 MAX, an evolution of the AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-Kuo combat aircraft to be called the XAT-5, or the Italian Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master . In 2014 AIDC signed a memorandum of understanding with Alenia Aermacchi to assemble the M-346 in Taiwan. The engines of all M-346 are assembled in Taiwan by International Turbine Engine Company (ITEC), a joint partnership of Honeywell and AIDC. The MOD also evaluated the South Korean KAI T-50 Golden Eagle aircraft.^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Development / Advanced Jet Trainer Program; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The design is based on the AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-kuo and shares the same engines, but has 80% new components including a composite body. Compared to the F-CK-1, it will have more advanced avionics, increased fuel capacity, and will be a little larger. The aerofoil is slightly revised, with the wings being thicker than on the F-CK-1 in order to increase stability at low speed and low altitude, as well as to provide increased fuel storage. The ram air scoop of the F-CK-1 has been redesigned in partnership with the Eaton Corporation with two aluminium laser powder bed fusion printed parts replacing 22 original parts. Meggitt will supply the main wheels, carbon brakes and brake control systems as they do on the AT-3 and F-CK-1. Martin-Baker will provide the ejection seat systems. More than 55% of its components are made in Taiwan. It has been reported that the aircraft was designed from the beginning to serve dual peacetime training and wartime combat roles.^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Design; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Length: 14.5 m (47.6 ft)^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Specifications; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Wingspan: 9.2 m (30.3 ft)^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Specifications; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Height: 4.39 m (14 ft 5 in)^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Specifications; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Empty weight: 4,500 kg (9,921 lb)^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Specifications; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Max takeoff weight: 7,500 kg (16,535 lb)^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Specifications; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Powerplant: 2 × Honeywell/ITEC F124 -200TW turbofan , 27.8 kN (6,250 lbf) thrust each^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Specifications; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Maximum speed: 1,030 km/h (640 mph, 556 kn)^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Specifications; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Cruise speed: 1,013 km/h (629 mph, 547 kn)^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Specifications; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Range: 1,350 km (839 mi, 729 nmi)^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Specifications; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Ferry range: 1,350 km (839 mi, 729 nmi)^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Specifications; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Service ceiling: 13,000 m (42,651 ft)^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Specifications; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Rate of climb: 48 m/s (9,500 ft/min)^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Specifications; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage ROCAF T-5 in 2020^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Gallery; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage	Manufacture of Alpha Jet sub-assemblies was divided between France (Dassault), Germany (Dornier) and Belgium ( SABCA ), each country performing final assembly and checkout of the type in separate facilities. Dassault hosted the largest of these three assembly lines, typically producing 13 aircraft per month to meet the needs of French and export customers. It was reportedly capable of a maximum output of 15 Alpha Jets per month. The Dornier final assembly line typically maintained a maximum rate of six aircraft per month. In contrast to the final assembly arrangements, none of the three sources duplicated the manufacture of any component: Dassault-Breguet produced the front and center fuselage, Dornier constructed the wing, tail and rear fuselage, while SABCA manufactured the nose and flaps of the aircraft. A total of 4,500 people were employed in the manufacturing of the Alpha Jet in Germany, an equal number in France also worked on the programme.^[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Development / Into production; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The Alpha Jet is a light twin-engine aircraft equipped with an intentionally simple airframe despite the performance delivered. Both the leading edges and air intakes are fixed; while the aerodynamic shape of the aircraft, which was developed with the aid of computer aided design (CAD), conforms with the area rule . Fully powered controls are used, comprising a dual- hydraulic systems and load-factor limited dynamic feel system arrangement attached to conventional flight control surfaces . The cockpit is pressurised for greater comfort during training. The Alpha Jet is designed to accommodate ten-minute turn around times with minimal ground equipment, using features such as pressurised single-point refueling, ladder-less entry/exit of the cockpit, and a ten-hour endurance of the liquid oxygen system.^[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Design; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The Alpha Jet is powered by a pair of SNECMA Turbomeca Larzac turbofan engines. It is a low bypass-ratio, twin-spool engine that uses modular construction methods. The Larzac was a new engine at the time, having only performed its first run a year prior to being selected to power the Alpha Jet. The need for greater thrust to power the aircraft than the original model of the engine could generate led to the development and adoption of the 2,970 lb Larzac 04 in February 1972. This version of the engine initially powered the Alpha Jet.

Source measurement

The Advanced Jet Trainer Program (AJT) began in the early 2000s as the Republic of China Air Force sought a replacement for its fleet of AIDC AT-3 and Northrop F-5 advanced trainers with 66 newly built aircraft. Three designs were proposed, a modernized, upgraded version of AT-3 branded as the AT-3 MAX, an evolution of the AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-Kuo combat aircraft to be called the XAT-5, or the Italian Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master . In 2014 AIDC signed a memorandum of understanding with Alenia Aermacchi to assemble the M-346 in Taiwan. The engines of all M-346 are assembled in Taiwan by International Turbine Engine Company (ITEC), a joint partnership of Honeywell and AIDC. The MOD also evaluated the South Korean KAI T-50 Golden Eagle aircraft.^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Development / Advanced Jet Trainer Program; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The design is based on the AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-kuo and shares the same engines, but has 80% new components including a composite body. Compared to the F-CK-1, it will have more advanced avionics, increased fuel capacity, and will be a little larger. The aerofoil is slightly revised, with the wings being thicker than on the F-CK-1 in order to increase stability at low speed and low altitude, as well as to provide increased fuel storage. The ram air scoop of the F-CK-1 has been redesigned in partnership with the Eaton Corporation with two aluminium laser powder bed fusion printed parts replacing 22 original parts. Meggitt will supply the main wheels, carbon brakes and brake control systems as they do on the AT-3 and F-CK-1. Martin-Baker will provide the ejection seat systems. More than 55% of its components are made in Taiwan. It has been reported that the aircraft was designed from the beginning to serve dual peacetime training and wartime combat roles.^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Design; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Length: 14.5 m (47.6 ft)^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Specifications; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Wingspan: 9.2 m (30.3 ft)^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Specifications; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Height: 4.39 m (14 ft 5 in)^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Specifications; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Empty weight: 4,500 kg (9,921 lb)^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Specifications; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Max takeoff weight: 7,500 kg (16,535 lb)^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Specifications; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Powerplant: 2 × Honeywell/ITEC F124 -200TW turbofan , 27.8 kN (6,250 lbf) thrust each^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Specifications; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Maximum speed: 1,030 km/h (640 mph, 556 kn)^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Specifications; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Cruise speed: 1,013 km/h (629 mph, 547 kn)^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Specifications; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Range: 1,350 km (839 mi, 729 nmi)^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Specifications; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Ferry range: 1,350 km (839 mi, 729 nmi)^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Specifications; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Service ceiling: 13,000 m (42,651 ft)^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Specifications; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Rate of climb: 48 m/s (9,500 ft/min)^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Specifications; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

ROCAF T-5 in 2020^[source]AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle · Gallery; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Manufacture of Alpha Jet sub-assemblies was divided between France (Dassault), Germany (Dornier) and Belgium ( SABCA ), each country performing final assembly and checkout of the type in separate facilities. Dassault hosted the largest of these three assembly lines, typically producing 13 aircraft per month to meet the needs of French and export customers. It was reportedly capable of a maximum output of 15 Alpha Jets per month. The Dornier final assembly line typically maintained a maximum rate of six aircraft per month. In contrast to the final assembly arrangements, none of the three sources duplicated the manufacture of any component: Dassault-Breguet produced the front and center fuselage, Dornier constructed the wing, tail and rear fuselage, while SABCA manufactured the nose and flaps of the aircraft. A total of 4,500 people were employed in the manufacturing of the Alpha Jet in Germany, an equal number in France also worked on the programme.^[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Development / Into production; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The Alpha Jet is a light twin-engine aircraft equipped with an intentionally simple airframe despite the performance delivered. Both the leading edges and air intakes are fixed; while the aerodynamic shape of the aircraft, which was developed with the aid of computer aided design (CAD), conforms with the area rule . Fully powered controls are used, comprising a dual- hydraulic systems and load-factor limited dynamic feel system arrangement attached to conventional flight control surfaces . The cockpit is pressurised for greater comfort during training. The Alpha Jet is designed to accommodate ten-minute turn around times with minimal ground equipment, using features such as pressurised single-point refueling, ladder-less entry/exit of the cockpit, and a ten-hour endurance of the liquid oxygen system.^[source]Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet · Design; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The Alpha Jet is powered by a pair of SNECMA Turbomeca Larzac turbofan engines. It is a low bypass-ratio, twin-spool engine that uses modular construction methods. The Larzac was a new engine at the time, having only performed its first run a year prior to being selected to power the Alpha Jet. The need for greater thrust to power the aircraft than the original model of the engine could generate led to the development and adoption of the 2,970 lb Larzac 04 in February 1972. This version of the engine initially powered the Alpha Jet.