Korean fighter jet ready for takeoff this month
來源：開云體育app官方網站發布日期：2023-01-26 20:58:32 瀏覽：7648
 |
| A prototype of the KF-21 fighter jet moves along a taxiway during a media demonstration at the headquarters of Korea Aerospace Industries in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, Wednesday. Joint Press Corps |
By Kang Seung-woo
SACHEON, South Gyeongsang Province ― Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is poised to conduct the maiden flight test of the KF-21 Boramae later this month, as the domestic KF-X fighter jet program has been proceeding as planned.
The plan was unveiled during its media event, Wednesday, during which KAI, the nation's sole aircraft manufacturer, also carried out the fighter jet's first public runway test at its headquarters in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province.
Currently, six flying prototypes have been rolled out.
"The first flight test is expected to take place in the third or fourth week of July," said Kim Nam-shin, a senior manager of the KF-X Program Division at KAI.
"If it occurs, the test flight will be conducted over some three days."
The KF-X program aims to produce 120 advanced multi-role fighter jets to replace the Republic of Korea Air Force's aging fleet of F-4s and F-5s by 2032. Korea and Indonesia signed a deal in 2010 to cooperate on the project, under which Jakarta would fund 20 percent of the total development cost of 8.8 trillion won ($6.76 billion), in exchange for a number of planes that would be manufactured there for the Indonesian Air Force, as well as technology transfers.
However, the specific number will be decided depending on Jakarta's funding of its share, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).
The KF-21 employs various high-end technologies, including the active electronically scanned array radar that tracks multiple targets with more advanced and efficient components. It also has an infrared search-and-track system that detects low-flying targets emitting infrared radiation, including anti-ship missiles.
The 4.5-generation fighter will be equipped with air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-2000 by Germany-based Diehl and the Meteor by Britain's MBDA. In addition, air-to-surface combat capabilities will be added during the second phase of the project from 2026 to 2028.
According to KAI, the first flight will last about 40 minutes, with the six prototypes set to conduct a combined 2,000 sorties over western and southern waters through 2026.
The company said the KF-21 will undergo a one-year "tentative" combat suitability test this year, with a view to achieving its final combat suitability in 2026 ― key procedures of the phased development process.
According to DAPA, the mass production of the domestically developed fighter jet is expected to last until 2032.
The arms procurement agency admitted that price competitiveness was the top consideration for the project.
"We are in talks with partner companies over the price and the final cost will be decided sooner or later," a DAPA official said.
"Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, the costs of raw materials have been increasing, but we are trying to prevent it from negatively affecting the price."
Along with the planned flight test, KAI successfully completed a ground test.
"The on-ground taxiing is aimed at checking the aircraft's basic integrity and operability," Kim said.
分享：