Aerospace

South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae Takes To the Air

Meet the KAI KF-21, a newly built South Korean fighter jet. This aircraft is being developed in collaboration with Indonesia, with the goal of developing a sophisticated multirole fighter. #KAI

Meet the KAI KF-21, a newly built South Korean fighter jet. This aircraft is being developed in collaboration with Indonesia, with the goal of developing a sophisticated multirole fighter.

It passed the major millstone of testing yesterday when it took its first flight from the production factory. The airframe is stealthier than any fourth-generation fighter, but unlike fifth-generation fighters, it does not carry weapons in internal bays, though internal bays may be added later in development.

The initiative is led by the South Korean government, which owns 60% of the company. In 2010, Indonesia acquired a 20% ownership in the programme, with the remaining 20% held by private partners like as the manufacturer Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). Following the FA-50, the KAI KF-X is South Korea’s second homegrown fighter jet development programme.

The first prototype was constructed and launched in April 2021 during a rollout event at KAI’s headquarters near Sacheon Airport. It was given the formal name Boramae. The first test flight was place on July 19, 2022, with manufacture set to commence in 2026.

At least 40 aircraft are expected to be delivered by 2028, with South Korea aiming to deploy 120 by 2032. It will also be offered on the international market. KAI is building six flying prototypes, the last two of which will be two-seaters. The basic flying characteristics of the aircraft were validated during the first flight.

The Northrop F-5 and leftover F-4 Phantoms will be replaced by the KF-21 in ROKAF service. Its initial capacity will most likely be limited to air-to-air duties, for which the MBDA Meteor is the principal weapon. On the initial flight, four mockups of the missile were carried in the semi-recessed under-fuselage bays of the KF-21.

Aerospace

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

Image:Boeing

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Comparison of two legendary aircraft B777x vs B747 aircraft:Click here

Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

NASA, Lockheed Martin Reveal X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft:Click here

The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.