KAI KF-21 Boramae (Project KF-X)

[AbRaj]

UCAV & KF-X 2 on SEAD mission​

Sheldon
2018. 7. 4. 18:13
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The UCAV, which penetrates into the enemy air defense network and detects the target with optical sensors and ESM in a hidden state, and the KF-X, which uses anti-radar missiles (ARM) to neutralize the SAM based on the information obtained from the data link outside the air defense network.

 

[AbRaj]

KF-X latest shape-based model & Q&A​

Sheldon

Q1. Hemispherical sensor at the rear of the KF-X cockpit
A1. It is a light used for aerial refueling at night.
Q2. U.S. Armed Forces Integration A2. Negotiations are currently underway, and there are no special issues. It only receives data a little later than the European armament. Q3. ECM and ESM Related A3. There are blade-shaped RWR antennas under the cockpit of the fighter, and RWR antennas at both ends of the wing. The fuselage has an ECM antenna in the low-high frequency band. There is also an ECM antenna near the engine, but unlike the ECM antenna placed on the fuselage, a high-frequency/low-frequency ECM antenna is integrated. Q4. Conformal antenna related A4. For communication/navigation antenna, a conformal antenna is applied. The conformal antenna for electronic warfare system was an export-restricted item, so it was impossible to introduce it overseas. In addition, since the Air Force required a higher output than the ECM of existing fighters, the antenna had to be made larger than other 4.5th generation fighters such as Eurofighter, and as a result, it became the same shape as it is now. In general, the output of a fighter's self-defense system is not very important, but the higher the output, the more various threats can be dealt with. If a conformal antenna for an electronic warfare system is developed in the future, it will be applicable to the KF-X. Q5. rear sight related

A5. Recently, BVR engagement is more important than WVR, and I don't think it will be a big problem because the front view and the information displayed on the cockpit display are more important than seeing it with your own eyes while looking back from the cockpit. However, if that part is pointed out as a supplement during the development process, the supplementary method (mirror, optical sensor, etc.) can be decided by considering the development time and budget.
Q6. Other fuels are around 12,000 lbs. Some functions in the cockpit can be controlled by voice. Among the mounted armaments of this model, the armament mounted on the 2nd and 9th hardpoints is a 2,000lb LJDAM.

 

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Airborne Stealth Tactical Strike System​

Sheldon
2018. 7. 13. 14:43

 

[AbRaj]

Q1. Airborne Tactical UAV Related
A1. A lot of misunderstandings arose as the media reported this drone as a large strategic-class stealth drone and reported it. This UAV is a UAV that drops bombs or self-destructs when it shows up to attack while hovering near the MDL, and it is not a large class UAV. It is a revolver type and can carry 6 sub-munitions inside, and the flight time is 5 hours.
Q2. Droneized intelligent submunition related A2. While conducting the conceptual study, we reviewed both the coaxial rotor and the parachute method, and decided that the parachute method was better. This is because the structure is simple and can be manufactured more inexpensively. The army is showing interest in dialogue power warfare, and I am more interested in drone-ized intelligent submunitions than unmanned aerial vehicles, and I think it is better to use multiple rounds mounted on canisters or guided missiles, or to fire with 155mm self-propelled shells.

 

[AbRaj]

Photos Show South Korea’s Next-Generation Fighter Jet Rapidly Taking Shape​

Production of the first of South Korea’s KF-X advanced fighter prototypes has advanced to an impressive degree.​

BY THOMAS NEWDICK SEPTEMBER 3, 2020

• THE WAR ZONE

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Recently released photos and video show the initial prototype of the KF-X next-generation indigenous fighter — which is being built by Korea Aerospace Industries, or KAI, in Sacheon — starting to take shape. KAI is also receiving assistance from Lockheed Martin on the project, which has an estimated total value of $7.4 billion, and is aiming to roll out the completed prototype by April of next year.


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So far, the bulk of the fuselage and the wings have been completed and major subassemblies are now in the process of being mated together on the production line. The fuselage seems to have been completed in three major components: forward fuselage including the cockpit, center fuselage ‘barrel’ with integral wings, and a tail unit, to which the flying surfaces have not yet been added.

KAI

Judging by the color of the components, most of the structure seems to comprise composite materials. This would parallel the approach taken in other new-generation fighter designs, in which advanced composite construction helps with reducing radar signature, while also providing a light and strong airframe.
Like its new-generation counterparts — the Chinese FC-31, the Indian Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), and the Turkish TF-X — the KF-X is a twin-tailed multi-role fighter with a configuration broadly similar to the F-22 Raptor or F-35 Lightning II. All these designs share the outwards-canted twin tails, low-observable shaping, and parallel alignment of edges that are characteristic of modern ‘stealthy’ fighters. The shaping of the KF-X's inlets is especially reminiscent of those on the F-22.

KAI
An earlier wind-tunnel test model of the KF-X reveals similarities with the F-22 and F-35.
From the outset, the KF-X was planned to offer better kinematic performance than the F-16C. KAI has stated it hopes the jet will have a maximum speed of 1,370 mph and a ferry range of 1,800 miles, as well as a total payload capacity of 17,000 pounds.
The two engines that will give the jet its power have yet to be installed in the prototype. These powerplants will be a specially adapted version of the 22,000-pound-thrust-class GE Aviation F414 known as the F414-GE-400K. GE Aviation delivered the first F414-GE-400K for the KF-X in May 2020. In a press release, the company said the KF-X “will deliver significantly greater mission capability, extended combat radius and longer lifespan compared to current aircraft.”

KAI
A look at the rear of the KF-X prototype showing where its two F414-GE-400K engines will eventually go.
GE Aviation will provide South Korea with 240 F414 production engines plus spares. The same basic powerplant is used in the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler, Sweden’s JAS 39E/F Gripen, and is set to power the Indian Tejas Mk 2.
Photos showing the cross-section through the center fuselage of the KF-X reveal troughs in the bottom of the aircraft for semi-recessed weapons carriage. In its initial form, the KF-X is not planned to feature internal weapons bays, but these are expected to be incorporated in later developments of the jet.

K-FORCE TELEVISION STATION CAPTURE
A view of the underside of the KF-X prototype's center fuselage showing elements of the semi-recessed weapons carriage arrangement.

K-FORCE TELEVISION STATION CAPTURE
Another view showing parts of all four of the troughs that will hold missiles semi-recessed under the fuselage. You can also see a nice cross-section of the aircraft's serpentine air ducts. This helps hide the engine faces from radar.
All told the pictures and video footage show that KAI has made substantial progress since it last revealed a picture of the prototype under construction that the company released in July 2020. At that time, only portions of the front and center fuselage sections were shown.

KAI
A picture of the KF-X prototype under construction that KAI released earlier this year.

 

[AbRaj]

Current plans reportedly call for the initial-production Block 1 variant to be completed without internal weapons bays, but to be compatible with them, suggesting there will be enough space within the fuselage to allow for their later introduction — presumably without requiring too much invasive structural work. Subsequently, the Block 2 versions are expected to be completed with internal bays from the outset.

As for armament, in November 2019, Europe’s MBDA Missile Systems announced it had been awarded a contract to integrate its ramjet-powered Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) with the KF-X. “We’re very pleased to mark this next and important step in our partnership with KAI and the Korean Defence Acquisition Program Administration,” said Éric Béranger, CEO of MBDA, at the time. “South Korea is a strategic market for MBDA, and we’re proud that Meteor will be providing KF-X with the world’s most potent air-to-air capability.”


The Meteor BVRAAM will be complemented by the infrared-guided IRIS-Tshort-range air-to-air missile produced by Germany’s Diehl Defence. In addition to those missiles, the aircraft will have also have a built-in 20mm M61 Vulcan cannon firing through a port on the top of the fuselage on the lefthand-side behind the cockpit.

Earlier this year, South Korea selected the precision-guided munitions and guidance kits that it plans to integrate with the KF-X. These comprise the Boeing GBU-31 and GBU-38/B Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM), GBU-54/B and GBU-56/B Laser JDAMs, and GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb I (SDB I), and the Raytheon GBU-12 Paveway II bomb, plus Textron’s CBU-105 Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser (WCMD). All of these weapons are already in use with the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), but the integration process with the KF-X is expected to take six or seven years to complete.

KAI
A mock-up of the KF-X, complete with mock external stores at the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition in October 2019.
Concept artwork of the KF-X has also depicted the jet with external targeting and navigation pods — something that is generally omitted from the design of many fifth-generation fighters, such as the F-35, to improve their stealthy characteristics. However, being able to carry these podded systems, which may have capabilities not found in the aircraft's built-in sensors, could be valuable for when the aircraft does not need to operate in its most stealthy configuration. This could also allow for the more rapid integration of sensors or other systems with new or improved functionality without major changes to the airframe.

SOUTH KOREAN DEFENSE ACQUISITION PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
Concept art of a KF-X equipped with external targeting and navigation pods under the engine intakes.
The KF-X’s active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar is being developed in South Korea by Hanwha Systems. This company has in turn contracted Israel’s Elbit Systems to provide terrain following/terrain avoidance technologyfor the jet’s avionics suite. Flight tests of a technology-demonstration fighter radar have taken place in both Israel and South Korea using Elta’s Boeing 737 testbed, in a project that involves Hanwha, Elta Systems, and South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD).

KAI
This picture of the KF-X prototype shows the plane's radar, or a mockup thereof, installed on the nose.

K-FORCE TELEVISION STATION CAPTURE
A closeup of the KF-X prototype's nose without anything installed.
Hanwha is also developing an infrared search and track (IRST) system for the jet. IRST offers an alternative to radar when it comes to spotting and tracking hostile aircraft, including stealth types. These systems, which are also very useful in environments where there is a high risk of electronic warfare jamming, are becoming increasingly standard on fighter jets, either built into the plane or in a podded form. You can read more about the benefits they offer in this recent War Zone feature.
Development of the KF-X first began in January 2016, with the preliminary design getting was finalized in June 2018. A critical design review of the fighter was completed in September 2019 and a mock-up then debuted at the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition that took place the following October.

In late 2019, it was confirmed that KAI had begun building the first prototype for the KF-X and the firm now aims to roll out the completed aircraft in April 2021. Production of six prototype fighters and 15 F414 engines are due for completion by the end of 2021 and these will then be used in the flight-test program that’s expected to finish by 2026. A first flight is planned for May 2022. The six prototype fighters are anticipated to comprise four single-seaters and two twin-seaters.
If all goes to plan, Seoul expects to issue a production contract for the KF-X as early as 2024, leading to deliveries of the Block 1 variant in 2026, before the test campaign is wound up.

 

[AbRaj]

The ROKAF has a requirement for 120 KF-Xs, intended to replace the existing F-4E Phantom II and F-5E/F Tiger II fleets by 2032. It remains to be seen whether South Korea will be able to meet that goal. Developing a new fighter from scratch is a daunting prospect and one that’s often beset by delays and cost overruns — especially when low-observable technology is involved.
South Korea does appear to have laid out an incremental approach to KF-X that is less ambitious at the outset with an eye toward rapidly bringing the first iteration to the prototype stage. The choice not to include fully internal weapons bays in the first block of jets inherently makes them less stealthy, but is an indication of a potentially less risky developmental approach.

The South Koreans are then expected to pursue further block upgrades that would incrementally reduce the fighter’s radar signature. This, of course, runs the risk of increasing costs in the long term to realize the aircraft's full potential.

K-FORCE TELEVISION STATION CAPTURE
The KF-X prototype's forward fuselage section.
In addition, overall, KAI hopes that it could sell more than 350 examples of its indigenous fighter, including a number on the export market. There are long-standing hopes that Indonesia could buy 50 of the new jets, with that country’s PT Dirgantara Indonesia also working as an industry partner on the project. Originally, Indonesia committed to paying for 20% of the total KF-X development costs, however, Jakarta has since sought to renegotiate its involvement in the program and has reportedly got behind in its payments.
KAI has enjoyed notable export success with its T-50, TA-50, and FA-50 Golden Eagle series of advanced trainers and light combat aircraft. Like the KF-X, these designs received assistance from Lockheed Martin, are powered by General Electric engines, and, in their most advanced forms, feature Israeli-made Elta radars. While the company will hope to replicate some of this success with the KF-X, the U.S.-supplied engines mean it will be subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) restrictions, which could block export sales if they are seen to go against Washington’s foreign policy objectives.

There are other factors, too, that should accelerate the KF-X fighter’s path to service entry. By selecting European-made air-to-air missiles as the initial armament, and an Israeli co-developed radar, Seoul avoids having to wait to receive permission from Washington to integrate U.S.-made weapons and avionics, which can be a lengthy process. Fielding the jet initially without internal weapons will also speed things up, allowing weapon launch and separation trials from the bays to be postponed until the Block 2 version is ready. Finally, potential foreign involvement — together with design cooperation from the outset — could also help get the jet into service quicker.
Whatever the case, KAI certainly seems to be making significant progress in the construction of the initial prototype KF-X and the program seems to be one to watch when it comes to new stealth fighter developments around the world.
Contact the author: [email protected]

Photos Show South Korea’s Next-Generation Fighter Jet Rapidly Taking Shape

Production of the first of South Korea’s KF-X advanced fighter prototypes has advanced to an impressive degree.

www.thedrive.com

 

[AbRaj]

AESA Testing

Defense journalist Yu Young-won was granted exclusive interview with Hong Yoon-seong, the lead Hanwha Systems developer in charge of the AESA radar being developed for the KF-X project.
The following is the summary:
- Development is going smooth and on schedule. Mr. Hong says that they're currently at around "50%" progress.

- There was a lot of risk involved with indigenous radar development and so they worked with the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) to mitigate it

One way was to prove that they can attain level of technology required for complete development, and they did so by creating a prototype for the hardware (HW) aspect of the development. Once the hardware was confirmed to work, they would proceed with the rest of the system by each stage, which includes software (SW) development..

Hanwha Systems developed radar antenna and power supply, which were then integrated and tested with ELTA Systems signal processor. This was to test the feasibility of using indigenously developed HW for aircraft use.

By November 2019, 10 overseas and 6 domestic aerial testing sorties had been carried out. These tests proved that the HW works as intended and that development can continue to the next stage.

- While exact data is classified, KF-X AESA radar's Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) mode provides high-quality image up to an object smaller than 1 meter.

- KF-X AESA radar can detect and track hundreds of ground targets, and this capability can be applied to hunting down North Korea's transporter erector launchers (TEL).

(The radar has air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air-to-sea modes, which can be used simultaneously)

- Prototype KF-X AESA radar had around 1,088 Transmitter-Receiver Module (TRM).
By 2023, the number is expected to increase by 20% to have around 1,200~1,300 modules. (F-22's radar has 2,000 and F-35's radar has 1,200)

- KF-X AESA radar is expected to perform better than AN/APG-83 being installed on KF-16V.

- Maximum detection range is said to be around 200 km (unknown against which-sized target)

- Flight testing done in Israel was said to be highly satisfactory


Current iteration of KF-X AESA Radar HW prototype

Curtiss-Wright Selected by KAI to Provide Complete Data Acquisition System Solution for KF-X

26 Mei 2020



Axon miniature data acquisition system (photo : Curtiss Weight)

For Data Acquisition System used in flight tests for the Korean Fighter eXperimental (KF-X) aircraft program

ASHBURN, Va. – Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions division, a trusted leading supplier of flight test instrumentation (FTI) system solutions, today announced that it was awarded a contract by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to provide a complete data acquisition system (DAS) for use in flight-test campaigns for the new 5th generation Korean Fighter eXperimental (KF-X) multirole fighter aircraft. Under the contract, Curtiss-Wright will provide KAI with a complete FTI system that gathers and processes data from the aircraft during test flights.

The fully integrated DAS solution will feature Curtiss-Wright’s next-generation Axon™ miniature data acquisition unit (DAU), the FTI industry’s most compact and high speed DAU. In addition, the DAS will include Curtiss-Wright’s KAM-500™ DAUs, NSW-12GT-1 12-Port Gigabit airborne network switches, TTS-9800-2 tri-band transmitter, nEUP-2000-1 engineering unit processor, ANT-00800T-1 L/S-band antenna, LDP-050-AB-1 airborne-rugged 5-inch diagonal display and GPS-FLR-100-1 active GPS splitter. Shipments, which are expected to begin in August 2020, are scheduled to run through the end of the year.

"We are very proud that our industry-leading integrated data acquisition technology has been selected by Korea Aerospace Industries to support the important 5th generation K-FX fighter jet program, further strengthening our long and successful relationship,” said Lynn Bamford, President, Defense and Power Segments. “Curtiss-Wright uniquely offers the components and expertise needed to provide FTI customers with complete fully integrated FTI system solutions. We are especially pleased, as this contract represents the largest win to date for our industry-leading Axon data acquisition system technology, as well as the first 5th generation fighter jet deployment for Axon.”

Flight-test campaigns are critical to determine that a new aircraft meets design specifications, is functional and safe, and can be certified for use. Such campaigns require significant resources and any delays are very costly, making it critically important that all FTI equipment work reliably to ensure that no unplanned extra flights are needed.

About the Axon Product Family

The Axon product family is the most advanced airborne data acquisition system available today, offering low size, weight and power (SWaP) with the best feature set, data acquisition and thermal performance on the market. The Axon product family builds on Curtiss-Wright’s heritage as the leading supplier of rugged reliable data acquisition for aerospace applications.

Axon’s future proof design, using a high-speed serial backplane (1 Gbps dedicated link per module), ensures future high data rates are supported. Its low SWaP design means it can be located in tight spaces and operate reliably without requiring bulky heatsinks. This design also allows any of the Axon family user modules to be placed in ultra-miniature "Axonite" housings and located remotely, separated from the chassis by up to 10 meters. Locating data acquisition closer to the sensors can significantly decrease the installation time and cost of the instrumentation while simultaneously reducing wiring weight. Axonites can also offer significant system cost saving in larger installations by reducing the number of DAUs required in remote locations and thus cutting down on extra chassis, controller and power supply costs.

Curtiss-Wright designed the products covered by this agreement at its Aerospace Instrumentation facilities in Newtown, Pennsylvania and Dublin, Ireland. The products are being shipped to KAI in Sacheon-City, Gyeongnam, Korea.

(Curtiss Wright)

 

[AbRaj]

KAI plans to roll out first KF-X prototype in April 2021

South Korean aerospace and defence company Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has revealed that it plans to roll out the first prototype of its Korean Fighter eXperimental (KF-X) multirole fighter aircraft in April 2021.

In the latest edition of its monthly Fly Together magazine the company released an image showing the prototype’s fuselage, which was assembled at KAI’s facilities in Sacheon. No further details were provided about the programme but Janes understands that the prototype is expected to conduct its first flight in 2022.

An image showing the fuselage of the first KF-X prototype at KAI’s assembly facility in Sacheon. The company has revealed that it plans to roll out the first protype aircraft in April 2021. (KAI)

The performance of the KF-X, which is on order for the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF), is expected to improve with each ‘Block’, with the development programme envisaging the production of six Block 0 prototypes, followed by four years of trials and the completion of development by mid-2026.

The first mass-produced KF-X aircraft, which will be part of Block 1, are expected between 2026 and 2028. They will be equipped with limited air-to-ground weapons in addition to air-to-air weapons.

On the other hand the Block 2 KF-Xs, which will be series-produced from 2029, will be capable of performing full air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions.

Meanwhile, officials from South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) told Janes on 6 July that the country’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD), in co-operation with Hanwha Systems, is expecting to complete development of an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for the KF-X by mid-August.

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/...o-roll-out-first-kf-x-prototype-in-april-2021

 

[AbRaj]

South Korea unveils indigenous AESA radar for KF-X fighter

Seoul has rolled out the first production prototype of the active electronically scanned array radar that will equip the developmental Korea Aerospace Industries KF-X fighter.

www.flightglobal.com

South Korea unveils indigenous AESA radar for K-FX
By Greg Waldron7 August 2020

• Save article

Seoul has rolled out the first production prototype of the active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar that will equip the developmental Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) KF-X fighter.

The ceremony took place at the research facility of manufacturer Hanwha Systems in Hanjin, according to South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration.

Following the US government’s refusal to share sensitive AESA technology with Seoul in 2015, South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development embarked on the creation of an indigenous AESA set, with Hanwha Systems producing the radar’s hardware and LIG Nex1 the software.

The radar passed its critical design stage in 2019 and has 1,000 independent transmit and receive modules. The entire system includes the antenna, processing device, and a power supply.

A video of the unveiling ceremony shows the radar searching for and detecting targets in the air, sea, and land, as well as a synthetic aperture radar function. It also shows technicians working on the system in laboratories.

In April 2019, airborne tests of the KF-X’s AESA hardware systems, including the transmit-receive antenna and the power supply unit, took place in South Africa with the attendance of KF-X developers from the ADD, Hanwha and KAI.

In addition to extensive Korean industrial participation, foreign firms such as Elta Systems, Leonardo, and Saab are involved in the project.

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[AbRaj]

Indonesian effort to do some sort of research on Stealth fighter jet outside KFX/IFX program. The research started after Korea delayed the KFX/IFX program for two years (2013-2014) before starting it again in 2015.

There is some worries among Indonesian planner that KFX/IFX program will be stopped by Korean parliament or Korean chose single engine KFX which is actually a KAI proposal which doesnt fit with Indonesia requirement and throw away C 103 double engine design made by ADD Korea and Dirgantara Indonesia. There is some sort of idea at that time that Indonesia has to do it alone and it is somehow appear on LFX (Lapan Fighter Experiment) program that going on at least about less than 2 years (2013-2014). Although the program itself is previously intended to support KFX/IFX program. The program is stopped after KFX/IFX program is started again.

Lapan (Indonesia Space Agency) with Dirgantara Indonesia (DI) in term of funding and research and in cooperation with Bandung Institute of Technology and DI according to Lapan official involved in the program.

LFX (Lapan Fighter Experiment)

AESA radar prototype. Bandung Institute of Technology. Presented in 2018 Indo Defense event.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1060867307868631040

https://twitter.com/x/status/1060867307868631040

 

[AbRaj]

Seoul Airshow 2020

KAI releases new photo from South Korea’s next-gen fighter jet assembly line​

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has shared new footage that shows the production process of South Korea’s next-generation fighter jet, known popularly as KF-X. South Korean aerospace giant has released new photos of the KF-X assembly line in Sacheon, south of Seoul. According to new photos, the...

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https://twitter.com/x/status/1345977413306634241

 

[AbRaj]

continuing until now

 

[AbRaj]

SACHEON, South Gyeongsang Province ― South Korea is set to roll out the first prototype of its indigenously developed next-generation fighter jet, widely known as the Korean Fighter eXperimental (KF-X) aircraft, late next month.

A total of six prototypes are in the final stages of assembly at the Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) headquarters in Sacheon, Gyeongsang Province. Test flights will be carried out next year, following ground testing after the April roll-out.

Industry officials expressed expectations that the KF-X would not only help accelerate domestic production of fighter jet parts but also bring about a considerable economic effect, creating jobs for about 110,000 people during the full development period planned through 2028. Since the KAI embarked on the KF-X development project in 2016 after winning the contract from the government the previous year, the project has created jobs for more than 10,000 people as of 2020, according to the company.

Officials also expressed expectations that the KF-X fighter jets will compete in the global market with fifth-generation fighter jets such as the U.S. aerospace giant Lockheed Martin's F-35 and F-22, based on price and technology competitiveness. According to the KAI, the KF-X is designed as a 4.5-generation jet whose basic hardware and platform could be used for further development and conversion into a fifth-generation one with improved "stealth" technologies.

A Korea Aerospace Industries official explains the weapon systems of the KF-X fighter jet to reporters at company headquarters in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, Feb. 24. Courtesy of Defense Acquisition Program Administration

"As the KF-X has been equipped with hardware to become a stealth fighter, we are currently exploring ways to apply stealth technologies to the jet, although we have yet to specify details for further developments as the military has yet to present the details necessary for further developments after Block I and Block II stages of the KF-X development project," Jung Kwang-sun, director general of the KF-X Program Group under the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), told reporters who were visiting KAI headquarters, Feb. 24.

The KF-X project is an "evolutionary development" project which is divided into two phases. The first phase, or the Block I stage, is about developing the basic system of the fighter jet from 2016 to 2026. The second phase, or the Block II stage which would be carried out from 2026 to 2028, is about adding more weapon systems.

The first prototype of South Korea's indigenously developed next generation fighter jet KF-X is being assembled at the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) headquarters in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, Feb. 24. Courtesy of Defense Acquisition Program Administration

While the core equipment of the KF-X has been developed with domestic technologies, including active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, infrared search and track (IRST) equipment, electro-optical target tracking (EO TGP) devices and electronic warfare (EW) suite, the target ratio of localization is 65 percent, in terms of the total costs of the parts used for the jet.

With 10 stations on the jet, about 50 different weapons combinations that weigh up to 7.7 tons can be carried. The total fuel capacity of the jet is 5.3 tons and it has aerial refuelling capability.
SACHEON, South Gyeongsang Province ― South Korea is set to roll out the first prototype of its indigenously developed next-generation fighter jet, widely known as the Korean Fighter eXperimental (KF-X) aircraft, late next month.

A total of six prototypes are in the final stages of assembly at the Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) headquarters in Sacheon, Gyeongsang Province. Test flights will be carried out next year, following ground testing after the April roll-out.

Industry officials expressed expectations that the KF-X would not only help accelerate domestic production of fighter jet parts but also bring about a considerable economic effect, creating jobs for about 110,000 people during the full development period planned through 2028. Since the KAI embarked on the KF-X development project in 2016 after winning the contract from the government the previous year, the project has created jobs for more than 10,000 people as of 2020, according to the company.

Officials also expressed expectations that the KF-X fighter jets will compete in the global market with fifth-generation fighter jets such as the U.S. aerospace giant Lockheed Martin's F-35 and F-22, based on price and technology competitiveness. According to the KAI, the KF-X is designed as a 4.5-generation jet whose basic hardware and platform could be used for further development and conversion into a fifth-generation one with improved "stealth" technologies.

A Korea Aerospace Industries official explains the weapon systems of the KF-X fighter jet to reporters at company headquarters in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, Feb. 24. Courtesy of Defense Acquisition Program Administration

"As the KF-X has been equipped with hardware to become a stealth fighter, we are currently exploring ways to apply stealth technologies to the jet, although we have yet to specify details for further developments as the military has yet to present the details necessary for further developments after Block I and Block II stages of the KF-X development project," Jung Kwang-sun, director general of the KF-X Program Group under the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), told reporters who were visiting KAI headquarters, Feb. 24.

The KF-X project is an "evolutionary development" project which is divided into two phases. The first phase, or the Block I stage, is about developing the basic system of the fighter jet from 2016 to 2026. The second phase, or the Block II stage which would be carried out from 2026 to 2028, is about adding more weapon systems.

The first prototype of South Korea's indigenously developed next generation fighter jet KF-X is being assembled at the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) headquarters in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, Feb. 24. Courtesy of Defense Acquisition Program Administration

While the core equipment of the KF-X has been developed with domestic technologies, including active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, infrared search and track (IRST) equipment, electro-optical target tracking (EO TGP) devices and electronic warfare (EW) suite, the target ratio of localization is 65 percent, in terms of the total costs of the parts used for the jet.

With 10 stations on the jet, about 50 different weapons combinations that weigh up to 7.7 tons can be carried. The total fuel capacity of the jet is 5.3 tons and it has aerial refuelling capability.

First prototype of KF-X fighter jet to be unveiled next month​

Posted on : Mar.3,2021 16:50 KST Modified on : Mar.3,2021 16:50 KST

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ROK Air Force to acquire 120 aircraft once fighter development is complete

The first prototype of the KF-X South Korean fighter jet at the Korea Aerospace Industries facility in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, is pictured on Feb. 24. (provided by the Kookbang Ilbo)

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On the afternoon of Feb. 24, technicians at the fixed-wing aircraft development hanger of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) were busy working on the prototype of the KF-X South Korean fighter jet, which is scheduled to be launched in April. Located in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, the hanger is a sprawling building that covers more than three football fields, with an area of 21,600 square meters (5.3 acres).

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The prototype’s fuselage bristles with devices, parts, and cables, presenting a formidable image of a fighter aircraft. Six or seven people stood underneath the fuselage with a small cart, focused on an explanation that involved a lot of hand gestures.

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“Now that we’ve completed the engine installation test, we’re removing the engine to paint the fuselage. Once painting wraps up next week, the fuselage will take on a dark gray hue,” a KAI staffer said. The engine is being removed to prevent contamination while the plane is being painted and will be reinstalled afterward, the staffer explained.

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South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and KAI plan to put on quite a show for the launch of the KF-X prototype in April. A “media day” event was held on Feb. 24 for the domestic press, in which officials presented the results of the development project to date.

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The KF-X project began in 2015, when the South Korean government earmarked 8.8 trillion won (US$7.12 billion) to develop a jet fighter that could be the future workhorse of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Air Force, replacing the aging F-4 and F-5 fighters. KAI is leading this international joint R&D project and contributing 20% of the cost, with the South Korean government paying 60% of the cost and the Indonesian government paying the remaining 20%.

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The launch of the prototype represents the first tangible results of a promise made about 20 years before. During a commissioning ceremony for graduates of the Korea Air Force Academy in March 2001, former president Kim Dae-jung announced that South Korea would develop a top-of-the-line fighter. Actual confirmation of the long-term need for a new aircraft came 18 years ago, in a meeting of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in November 2002.

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Jung Gwang-seon, head of DAPA’s KF-X project team, described the significance of the prototype launch as follows. “This will be a monumental event when Korea’s first fighter is unveiled. From the perspective of the developers, this is a crucial time when a fighter that had only existed in plans becomes a reality and we move into the phase of testing the performance of our research.”

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The first prototype of the KF-X South Korean fighter jet at the Korea Aerospace Industries facility in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, is pictured on Feb. 24. (provided by the Kookbang Ilbo)

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The KF-X is larger than the F-16 but smaller than the F-15, measuring 11.2 meters (36 feet) across and 16.9 meters (55 feet) long. It’s equipped with the latest sensors, including AESA radar (standing for active electronically scanned array), infrared search and track (IRST) equipment, and an electro-optical targeting pod (EO TGP). That gives it the ability to “see first and shoot first,” a requirement on the modern battlefield.

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The fighter has 10 weapon stations, with three on each wing and four under the fuselage. The stations can hold a range of cutting-edge weapons, including air-to-air missiles and air-to-surface missiles, weighing up to 7.7 tons. The plane is also equipped with a 20mm Vulcan cannon.

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While not exactly a stealth fighter, the KF-X does have a basic stealth profile. That leaves open the option of evolving the design into a fifth-generation fighter through the application of full-fledged stealth technology.

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“Becoming a stealth fighter is about more than the shape; we’d also have to develop more technology including radar-absorbing paints and internal weapon bays. In the future, we’ll look into the option of continuing to develop and apply related technology from a long-term perspective,” a KAI staffer said.

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Once fighter development is complete, 120 aircraft will be supplied to the ROK Air Force. In exchange for its financial contribution, Indonesia will receive one prototype and technological data, which it will use to build 48 aircraft in local facilities. But Indonesia hasn’t kept up with its financial payments, prompting concerns that the KF-X project may be in trouble.

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DAPA reported to the National Assembly’s National Defense Committee last month that of the 831.6 billion won (US$753.1 million) that Indonesia was supposed to pay through February, it had only paid 227.2 billion won (US$205.7 million), leaving 604.4 billion won (US$547.3 million) unpaid. Indonesia had agreed to pay its total contribution of 1.76 trillion won (US$1.57 billion), representing 20% of the project cost, in several stages.

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In a statement addressing the controversy, DAPA said that “the Indonesians have expressed their commitment to continued participation in the KF-X development program” and that “the two countries have been seeking a mutually beneficial arrangement through several rounds of working-level negotiations.”

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“Indonesia appears to be having a hard time keeping up with its payment plan because of the coronavirus and its economic recession. While the goal of our deliberations is to move forward together if at all possible, the project would certainly not be halted even if Indonesia were to withdraw,” said Jung Gwang-seon, head of the DAPA project team, on Monday.

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By Park Byong-su, senior staff writer

​

Please direct comments or questions to [[email protected]]

First prototype of KF-X fighter jet to be unveiled next month

ROK Air Force to acquire 120 aircraft once fighter development is complete

www.hani.co.kr

 

[AbRaj]

Roll-out ceremony of KF-X prototype.

KF21 vs F22

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQI9sgVpMSl8hwgm_nKEJ4Gju3xi1UOwE3L_A&usqp=CAU

 

[AbRaj]

Second design was rejected in favour of more traditional C100 in which LM was the partner

 

[AbRaj]

Ejection test

 

[AbRaj]

KAI prepares smart factory for KF-21 fighter​

by Jon Grevatt



Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is planning to develop a new ‘smart factory’ to support the production of its new KF-21 Boramae fighter aircraft.

In a filing to the Korean stock exchange on 22 April, KAI said it will invest KRW98.5 billion (USD88 million) over the coming five years to set up a “smart manufacturing system based on 4th Industrial Revolution digital technologies” including artificial intelligence and big data analytics.

The smart factory, it said, will be utilised across several projects. One of the initial focus areas is expected to be the production of components and structures for the KF-21, a prototype of which KAI unveiled earlier in April under its Korean Fighter eXperimental (KF-X) programme.

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have announced plans to set up a ‘smart manufacturing’ facility to support the production of the KF-21 fighter aircraft, which was unveiled earlier in April. (DAPA)
KAI also expects to integrate the facility into a larger automated production ecosystem within South Korea’s aerospace sector. KAI said it will provide assistance to suppliers in setting up similar processes.

The plant, KAI said, will be partly modelled on its ‘A350 factory’, which was opened in 2010 at KAI’s headquarters in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang, to support production on the Airbus jet airliner.

This facility features automated production lines and has been credited with reducing A350 aerostructure manufacturing timeframes by 66%.

KAI also said that the facility will support its efforts to enhance the competitiveness of its products in export markets.

Commenting on the new factory, a KAI official quoted by local media said, “We will maximise work efficiency by implementing an intelligent production system that combines digital and analysis tasks performed in areas such as production, process management, technology, purchasing, and quality control.”

KAI prepares smart factory for KF-21 fighter

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is planning to develop a new ‘smart factory’ to support the production of its new KF-21 Boramae fighter aircraft.

www.janes.com

Fully automated assembly line

Full-scale test evaluation stage:
The KF-21 Boramae static tense was also released.

last May 14

We moved to the structural test building.



Below is the content from KAI's June webzine.

On May 14th, the full static tense of KF-21 was held.

It was moved from the fixed wing building to the structural test building.

This means that the KF-21 project has entered the full-scale test and evaluation phase.

By August of this year, test fixtures, load-bearing devices,

By performing tasks such as installing sensors and hydraulic actuators,

The exam is scheduled to begin in September.

(Aircraft 001 seen behind the static tense)



All static prototypes are radar, landing gear, engine, horizontal fin, etc.

Some items are mounted as dummy,

Other than that, it is a structurally complete aircraft manufactured in the same way as the flight prototype.

The full-scale static test is performed to ensure the safety of the first flight.

Starting with the limit load verification test

Verification of extreme maneuver load and main component mounting area

Local tests are performed sequentially.

It will be carried out for 27.5 months until December 2023.

Performance test scene of KF-21 Boramae under development by KAI (Estimated Aircraft No. 001)









Below is the content of KAI's webzine in July.

KF-21 is now undergoing structural testing!​

Entering the full-scale test evaluation stage​

The first step to an emergency​

On April 9th, it was first introduced to the world.

The public's support for Korea's first domestic fighter, the KF-21, is great.

The KF-21, which is meticulously preparing for the next step, with the goal of making its first flight in 2022.

I visited the site where the rescue test is currently underway.



verify and verify again

Is there anything more important than safety in a flying airplane?

Made with our technology

The safety issue related to the first Korean fighter

All domestic and international stakeholders

It is a complex and complex issue that has to be looked at from multiple perspectives.



Those who know this better than anyone else are KAI employees,

Among them, he has a greater sense of duty and responsibility than anyone else at present.

They are members of the rescue test team who are immersed in their work.





“Currently, six flight prototypes are being built for the KF-21.

The ground vibration test is being carried out with Unit 1,

Unit 2 is preparing for flight load correction test.

In addition, two rescue prototypes were produced separately.

ICT test and overall durability test are planned.

Structural testing team works through organic collaboration with analysis teams.

I am preparing for the electric test,

To be internationally recognized for its structural testing capabilities

We are also preparing to obtain KOLAS international recognition.”



This is the explanation of Team Leader Lee Won-seok, who is in charge of the structural test.



The structural test building entered under the guidance of team leader Won-seok Lee.

It made people open their mouths with its enormous scale and state-of-the-art equipment.

Even if it's a large laboratory version of the movie <Iron Man>

This place is built to a reliable level.

As an exclusive building for the KF-21 structural test

It is designed to be strong enough to withstand a load of 30 tons per square meter.

Thousands of wires, sensors, hydraulic actuators, large cranes, etc.

Unfamiliar equipment stands out much more than familiar equipment.

Structure test building





Structural tests are conducted on design, manufacturing, materials, etc.

Refers to tests demonstrating conformity and strength.

By applying a load to the specimen on the ground

It is one of the main tests that must be passed before flying.



“Structural tests are largely divided into 'component structural tests' and 'electrical structural tests'.

The component structural test is a part that is difficult to verify with the whole structural test.

It means taking it apart and testing it.

Pylon, horizontal fin, landing gear mount...

This part is divided into component units and tested.

In the electrical structural test

Ground vibration test, flight load correction test, static test, durability test, etc.

included.”



In other words, before the aircraft flies,

Aircraft manufactured based on design and analysis

Jin Sang-wook is responsible for the process of checking whether it is structurally sound.







Electrostatic test to prove the structural safety of KF-21

So, what is an electrostatic test?

As a test engineer, I am in charge of scheduling, equipment preparation, and test execution for this test.

Choi Young-rok is responsible for answering that question.

Static tense before installation in test fixture

“Through structural analysis after aircraft design,

Ensure that the structure can withstand the loads experienced during actual flight.

The task of verifying that the structure is sound as the result of analyzing this through testing is

It's an electrical test.

There are hundreds of maneuvering conditions for actual flight.

Among them, by identifying the load conditions that act the most on a specific structure,

It's a test for that condition.

In this test, 1.5 times the actual designed load is applied.

No serious damage should occur under that circumstance.

These are the requirements we receive from the structural analysis department.

If damage occurs, it may be necessary to change the design.

It is very important and absolutely essential to check this part.”

Install a load pad and a Whiffletree on the specimen





The ICT test is the largest of the KF-21 structural tests.

180 load-adding devices and

It is the most difficult test in which 3,200 channels of data are controlled in real time.

Successful completion of this exam

It can also be said that it is more than one big mountain in the development process of the KF-21.



Park Seung-bin, who is in charge of the flight load compensation test, also

The burden of the work in charge is quite heavy on my shoulders.



“The purpose of the flight load correction test is to

The DB is created by calibrating the sensors installed in the aircraft.

The DB that was created in this way was tested during flight tests.

It is used to monitor incoming loads in real time.”



If the loads expected in actual flight are added on the ground,

The sensor values are output accordingly.

Make it a DB and prepare the correction formula in the same way.

when an aircraft is flying

Air resistance causes the aircraft structure to load.

The sensor value that comes out at that time is determined by the test team.

If it is the same as the value obtained when pressing with a constant load on the ground

an airplane in the air by the air

It is possible to know how much value the load is being applied to.

The flight load correction test is to simulate the process in advance on the ground.



“The most important part is to implement the exact load required for the test.

Also, because the test object is a prototype that will soon fly

When corruption occurs, it causes a lot of trouble with the schedule.

We are very careful with maintenance so that there are no small scratches.”





I will complete the mission safely and completely

Finally, in the next building

Lee Yong-eun, who was conducting the ground vibration test, went to meet the responsibility.

From the appearance of many employees surrounding the prototype being busy and serious

The weight of the test task is realized again.

Conducted ground vibration test of Si Unit 1





“Ground vibration test is a test to confirm the dynamic characteristics of the specimen in a word.

More specifically, when an aircraft is flying

To prevent damage due to vibration called flutter

Tell me to check in advance.

If the vibration characteristics of the aircraft are measured through this test,

It is reflected in the analysis model once more to increase the accuracy.

To ensure safety,

After that, the flight test will be conducted without any setbacks.”



The ground vibration test is similar to the test using all other flight prototypes.

The schedule is very important.

Because the tests planned after the ground vibration test are lined up

This is because it is necessary to finish the assigned exam quickly within the schedule so that there will be no problems with the future schedule.





“The ground vibration test is the first structural test conducted with the KF-21 flight prototype.

As much as the test equipment was produced for KF-21

The test equipment designed and manufactured by us performs as well as desired.

We will do our best to get the test data well without any problems.”



Until the day when the exam is over, Team Leader Won-seok Lee and his team members want only one thing.

It will be safe and everyone will finish the exam safely as planned.



“Our rescue test team

Already accumulated through T-50, KUH, KT-1, etc.

We have enough know-how and experience.

Because I think of it as an extension of the previous test

I have the confidence that I can do it.

We are all aware of the importance of exams.

Because we are receiving full support in this regard

I'm sure you'll be able to do it without any problems.

Fighter KF-21 made with our technology

Until the day we safely fly through our skies

Everyone will do their best. Please watch.”



550 electronic devices and

7,000 structures,

220,000 rivets and bolts,

KF-21, the crystal of cutting-edge science that harmonizes with load stress!

The start of that powerful flapping of their wings is in their hands.



------------------------------------------------------------ -----



"The ground vibration test is the first structural test conducted with the KF-21 flight prototype."

After all... Unit 1 even flew.

Unit 1 is meaningful.

Source: [밀당] 한국형 전투기 KF-21 보라매 근황 종합 | 본격 시험평가단계 : 클리앙

 

[AbRaj]

South Korean KF-21 fighter jet assembly line unveiled to the public​

Aviation Defense News June 2021 aerospace air force industryPOSTED ON THURSDAY, 17 JUNE 2021 13:00
According to Asian Defence, the KF-21 prototype has to go through a year or so of ground testing. KAI opened up the KF-21 assembly line to the Hankyoreh, the first South Korean newspaper to gain access to the site.
Follow Air Recognition on Google News at this link

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KAI KF-21 being assembled (Picture source: KAI)

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The first prototype is currently in the building opposite the assembly line, where its insides are exposed for ground testing which will take another year or so, a report in South Korean media outlet Hankyoreh which was granted access to the assembly line, said.
Almost the entire assembly process is done by hand, Asian Defence reports. During the unprecedented visit, twenty engineers were working together to load missiles on the second prototype. ”Airplanes can’t be welded because they’re made of aluminum and other special materials. We assemble the fuselage and attach wings to the fuselage by drilling lots of holes on both sides for inserting rivets. A single wing needs more than 10,000 rivets,” said Lee Il-woo, a senior engineer on the KF-21 project. “The interior of the fighter has a complicated latticework designed to continue functioning even if some parts are damaged by gunfire during a dogfight. Electronic equipment runs from the cockpit to the ends of the wings,” Lee said.
The KAI KF-21 Boramae/Fighting Hawk (formerly known as KF-X) is a joint South Korean/Indonesian 4.5 generation fighter aircraft development program with the goal of producing an advanced multi-role fighter for the South Korean and Indonesian air forces. The airframe is stealthier than other 4th-generation fighters but does not carry weapons in internal bays like 5th-generation fighters, though internal bays may be introduced later in development. The program is led by the South Korean government, which holds 60% of the program's shares. Indonesia took a 20% stake in the program in 2010, and the remaining 20% is held by private partners including the manufacturer Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI). The KAI KF-X is South Korea's second domestic fighter jet development program, following the FA-50.
In April 2021, the first prototype was completed and unveiled during a rollout ceremony at the headquarters of KAI in Sacheon. It was officially given the name Boramae (literally 'young hawk' or 'eyas'). The first flight test is scheduled for 2022, with the entire development process set to be completed by 2026. The South Korean Air Force plans to induct 40 KF-21 units by 2028 and another 80 units by 2032. At least 40 aircraft are planned to be delivered by 2028, with South Korea expecting to deploy a total of 120 of the aircraft by 2032. It will also be available for the export market.
As per a deal with Indonesia, South Korea is to hand over one prototype and technology to Jakarta to manufacture the aircraft in Indonesia where the KF-X development program is referred to as the IF-X program. The Jakarta Globe reported that the completed aircraft will receive the designation F-33.

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KAI KF-21 being assembled (Picture source: KAI)


KAI opened up the KF-21 assembly line to the Hankyoreh

 

[AbRaj]

KF21 ground load test

By: Murmansk(182.219.xxx.xxx)
Enter 2021-07-07 10:33:55









Rescue prototype No. 1 for ground vibration test







Rescue prototype No. 2 equipped with test fixture for flight load correction test