Skunk Works has a clean-sheet design for the U.S. Air Force’s T-X jet trainer program on standby in case the KAI T-50 does not meet the requirements for the program, which are expected to be released shortly.
“Lead In Fighter Trainer TA-50 in KAI” by Photo by KAI (2011) – https://www.flickr.com/photos/koreaaero/12201229725. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
While company executives believe the T-50 will meet the requirements, the company does not want to be caught off guard as well.