C390 os not having an in house engine, we could get the engine tech along with a400.
A nice mix of F22 and F35, with a dual seats version. Looks good.
As said in a previous post, fine tuning the frame is the easier.
What is the status and effectiveness of the weapon system? how good is the radar? the electronic counter system?
And they avoid to developp a new engine, something difficult.
There you go -
www.twz.com
Remains to be seen if they manage to begin mass production by 2035-36, as the leaks earlier have suggested. Although going by their track record and, fortunately for them, with the liberals back in power, one would anticipate defense spending increases, resulting in domestic acquisitions, and them achieving their roadmap more or less on schedule.
Between the KF-21EX, their indigenous engine attempt, and their planned sixth-generation fighter, it seems they're genuinely mounting a great attempt at doing in the aerospace domain what they've already successfully done for armored vehicles, artillery, warships, and submarines.
South Korea’s KF-21 Fighter To Get Stealthier With Internal Weapons Bays
Adding internal weapons bays to the KF-21 will make it better able to penetrate air defenses while dropping heavy bunker-busting weapons. Adding internal weapons bays to the KF-21 will make it better able to penetrate air defenses while dropping heavy bunker-busting weapons.
www.twz.com
Remains to be seen if they manage to begin mass production by 2035-36, as the leaks earlier have suggested. Although going by their track record and, fortunately for them, with the liberals back in power, one would anticipate defense spending increases, resulting in domestic acquisitions, and them achieving their roadmap more or less on schedule.
Between the KF-21EX, their indigenous engine attempt, and their planned sixth-generation fighter, it seems they're genuinely mounting a great attempt at doing in the aerospace domain what they've already successfully done for armored vehicles, artillery, warships, and submarines.
Analysing the development of the KF-21 and the roles played by various organisations in it. It is to keep a note as to how Blk 1 came to be.
Here's a list of notable parts and their origins (note that some details may evolve as production progresses, and not all subsystems are fully disclosed):
Here's a list of notable parts and their origins (note that some details may evolve as production progresses, and not all subsystems are fully disclosed):
- Engine: General Electric F414-GE-400K turbofan engines, manufactured in the United States. These are license-produced in South Korea by Hanwha Aerospace. The engine provides the thrust for the twin-engine configuration.
- Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar: Developed by Hanwha Systems in South Korea, with technology transfer and expertise from Israel's Elta Systems (a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries). The radar is based on the EL/M-2052 model adapted for the KF-21.
- Avionics and Flight Control Systems: Core avionics are developed domestically by KAI and LIG Nex1 in South Korea, but with significant input from U.S. firms like Lockheed Martin for integration and software. Some electronic warfare systems may incorporate elements from BAE Systems (United Kingdom).
- Ejection Seat: Martin-Baker Mk.18, sourced from the United Kingdom. This is a zero-zero ejection system similar to those used in other modern fighters.
- Airframe and Composites: Primarily designed and manufactured in South Korea by KAI, using advanced composite materials. Some structural components benefit from technology shared by Lockheed Martin (USA) under a technology transfer agreement.
- Weapons Integration: Compatible with a range of missiles, including U.S.-origin AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder (USA), as well as indigenous South Korean missiles like the KF-21's own air-to-air and air-to-ground options. The infrared search and track (IRST) system is developed by Hanwha Systems (South Korea) with possible French or European influences.
- Landing Gear and Other Subsystems: Produced in South Korea, but with components from suppliers like Safran (France) for certain hydraulic systems or UTC Aerospace Systems (USA) for brakes and wheels.
Details of Foreign Expertise in Development
The KF-21 program heavily leveraged international partnerships to overcome South Korea's limited experience in full fighter jet development. Key foreign involvements include:- United States (Lockheed Martin): Provided extensive technical assistance, including 21 key technologies transferred under a 2015 agreement linked to South Korea's purchase of F-35 jets. This included expertise in stealth design, avionics integration, and flight testing. However, the U.S. denied transfer of four sensitive technologies (AESA radar, IRST, electronic warfare, and electro-optical targeting pod), leading South Korea to develop them indigenously or seek alternatives. Lockheed Martin's role was crucial in the early design phases.
- Indonesia: As a 20% partner in the program, Indonesia contributed funding (about 1.6 trillion won) and engineering input through PT Dirgantara Indonesia. They are entitled to technology transfer and plan to produce variants locally as the IF-X. However, payment delays from Indonesia have caused some project setbacks.
- Israel (Elta Systems/IAI): Assisted in radar development, providing prototypes and expertise for the AESA system. This collaboration helped South Korea rapidly advance its radar technology.
- United Kingdom (BAE Systems and Martin-Baker): BAE offered consulting on systems integration and testing, while Martin-Baker supplied ejection seat technology and expertise.
- Other Contributions: European firms like Saab (Sweden) provided advisory support on fighter design, and there were consultations with Airbus (Europe) for composite materials. The program also drew on lessons from South Korea's T-50 trainer jet, which involved Lockheed Martin.
There were talks of it being exported. I do not know how this will end up impacting those agreements.
Too delusional to think they can produce, fly, certify and export in 5 years.
Very delusional indeed. Even Chinese with Chinese IQ, high manpower and billions took two decade to make a Fighter Jet Engine Combat worthy and these chaps think they will do it in 5 years.
Moreover Turbofan is in fact so complex that GE struggled to repair turbine blades of it's own and have to dumb down the metallurgy so that they can be repaired.