Aviation

Top 8 facts about South Korean KF 21 Fighter jet: Specification, Partnerships, Weapons, and capacity

1. It took its first maiden flight in July 2022.

The Korean Aerospace Industries built the air superiority fighter KF 21 Bormae with Indonesia’s assistance. Its airframe is more stealthy than any fourth-generation fighter, but unlike fifth-generation fighters, it does not carry weapons through an internal bay.

It made its first flight from the production facility on July 19, 2022. The Korean name Bormae translates to “young Hawk” in English. At least 40 aircraft are expected to be delivered by 2028, according to the report. but it will also be offered on the international market.

2.It is a 4.5 Generation fighter jet.

To replace the outdated F4 and F5 fighter fleet, an alternative fighter is being developed for the Republic of Korea’s air force. It is a multirole fighter jet of the 4.5 generation, the source said. Initially, South Korea sought to develop a fighter aircraft that could outperform the Typhoon and Dassault Rafale.

Technically speaking, though, it necessitated extensive study and creation. They nevertheless made an effort to design a plane that would compete with the F16 Fighting Falcon in terms of combat range, a 34% longer airframe, and better weaponry.

US Army and Sikorsky agree on a $2.3 billion purchase of Black Hawk helicopters(Opens in a new browser tab)

3.Indonesia is a partener for KF 21 progrm.

Most nations cooperate in the program to lessen the burden of the financial aspects because it takes proper investments to develop any technology. In KF X, Indonesia joined the regional program in 2010 as per a committee agreement for 20% ownership. Later, however, KAI claimed that it had not made the agreed-upon payments. Later, an agreement was reached between Indonesia and South Korea to create a new cost-sharing plan by 2022.

4. KF 21 backed by Lockheed martin

The KF-21 program is supported by American titan Lockheed Martin, which is supplying the program with a number of design consultancy components. The staggering list of imported systems, along with numerous industrial-grade tools and consultancy to rely on for technical developments, includes everything from brake pads to flight controls systems, LRUs, landing gear, avionics, canopies, oxygen generators, radar, engines, ejection seats, and even the aircraft’s software management system.

As part of a purchase agreement, Lockheed Martin consented to transfer two dozen F-35A technologies. Four crucial technologies, AESA radar, infrared search and track (IRST), electro-optical targeting pod (EO TGP), and radio frequency identification (RFID), were, however, prohibited from export by the US government.

5. Stealth Fighter variant by 2035.

According to KAI, most of the systems may have been locally indigenous by the time the KF-21 Block III, which is expected to be a true stealth fighter variant by 2035, is released. However, until that time, the KF-21 is just a 4.5-generation fighter jet with elements of the 5th generation fighter, which is still being developed. Though the program is heavily supported by American defense industrial partners, which would still be under US control, must still be acknowledged. It will also take until 2035 before KAI has its own domestically developed technology.

6. Expensive military project in Korean history

Indonesia is said to be asked to reduce its share in the joint investment and development of the KF-21 by 5 percent and for more technology transfers than stipulated in the original agreement. The development of the KF-21 has been called the most expensive military project in Korean history, with a price tag of approximately 8.5 trillion won ($7.8 billion) for development alone. According to the government, 719 Korean businesses have participated in the development of the KF-21. About 65 percent of over 30,000 parts used in the prototype aircraft were made in Korea.

Features

The KF 21 can be operated by a single and double crew.

It is 15 feet 5 inches tall, 55 feet 5 inches long, and has a wingspan of 36 feet 9 inches.
It weighs 18,800 kg when empty and can support a maximum weight of 25,400 kg.
It had a 2 GE 414 engine that can produce 57.8 kilonewtons without an afterburner and 97.9 kilonewtons with one.
It has a range of 2,900 km and a top speed of Mach 1.81.

Speaking about the weapon package of the KF 21

It has ten Hard points. which is equipped with air-to-air missiles such as the MBDA, AIM 120, Diehl IRIS, and AIM 9x.
It features anti-ship missiles like AGM 84 Harpoon and air-to-ground missiles like Taurus and AGM-65.
It is capable of transporting conventional and precision-guided bombs like JDAM, GBU, and KGGB.

Avionics

The KF 21 fighter jet has AESA radar, an infrared search and track system, an electro-optical targeting pod, datalink capabilities, a radiofrequency jammer, and many more characteristics. It is estimates the cost of the KF-21 at $65 million per unit.

Please share your thoughts on the Korean-built KF 21 fighter plane in the comments area.

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He is an aviation journalist and the founder of Jetline Marvel. Dawal gained a comprehensive understanding of the commercial aviation industry. He has worked in a range of roles for more than 9 years in the aviation and aerospace industry. He has written more than 1700 articles in the aerospace industry. When he was 19 years old, he received a national award for his general innovations and holds the patent. He completed two postgraduate degrees simultaneously, one in Aerospace and the other in Management. Additionally, he authored nearly six textbooks on aviation and aerospace tailored for students in various educational institutions. jetlinem4(at)gmail.com

Aviation

FAA rolling out new technology at four US airports

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is set to debut cutting-edge airfield surveillance systems at four prominent airports across the United States.

Austin-Bergstrom, Indianapolis, Nashville, and Dallas Love Field will spearhead the implementation of the Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) by July 2024, marking a significant stride in runway safety enhancement efforts.

SAI revolutionizes air traffic controllers’ situational awareness by leveraging Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) data. Through this innovative technology, controllers gain real-time and precise depictions of aircraft and vehicles navigating the entire airfield, irrespective of weather conditions.

Icons representing aircraft and ADS-B-equipped vehicles will populate an airport map, offering comprehensive coverage of runways, taxiways, hold ramps, and other critical areas.

This initiative is a pivotal component of the FAA’s accelerated surface safety portfolio, complementing other vital tools like Approach Runway Verification (ARV) and the Runway Incursion Device (RID). The proactive deployment of these technologies underscores the FAA’s unwavering commitment to fortifying runway safety and averting potentially hazardous incidents.

Beyond technological advancements, the FAA is taking multifaceted measures to bolster safety across the national airspace system. Initiatives include aggressive air traffic controller recruitment drives, enhancements to the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative, and the deployment of upgraded tower simulator systems in numerous facilities nationwide by the end of 2025.

Additionally, the FAA is fostering collaborative efforts through regular runway safety action team meetings and investing substantially in runway lighting and surface improvements at airports of varying sizes.

Aviation

Boeing says 787 Dreamliner aircraft is safe

Boeing is standing firm on the safety and durability of its 787 Dreamliner aircraft despite mounting criticism and whistleblower allegations.

In response to concerns raised by whistleblowers and ahead of a congressional hearing, the aviation giant emphasized its rigorous testing protocols and asserted confidence in the integrity of its planes.

During a media briefing accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation, boeing aircraft
reiterated its confidence in the safety of both the 787 and 777 aircraft models. Senior engineers showcased extensive testing procedures aimed at refuting claims that approximately 1,400 Boeing planes may be afflicted by significant safety issues. The company addressed specific allegations, including concerns about gaps in manufacturing processes that could lead to premature fatigue failure over time.

The upcoming Senate hearing is expected to feature testimony from Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour, who has publicly criticized boeing airplanes safety practices and alleged retaliation for speaking out. Salehpour’s claims, currently under investigation by the FAA, include allegations of workers resorting to extreme measures during assembly, such as “jumping on pieces of the airplane” to align them.

Boeing officials stressed that thorough inspections of nearly 700 in-service Dreamliner jets revealed zero airframe fatigue findings, even after six and twelve years of heavy maintenance inspections. These results have been shared with the FAA, according to Boeing’s chief engineer, Steve Chisholm. He emphasized that the materials used in the construction of the 787 were specifically chosen for their resistance to fatigue and corrosion.

In response to Salehpour’s accusations of shortcuts in assembly processes, boeing planes
acknowledged instances where shims were not of the proper size and where areas did not meet skin-flatness specifications. However, the company dismissed claims of excessive force during assembly, stating that such practices were not part of their standard procedures.

Aviation

How to Utilize American AAdvantage Miles for Etihad Flights

Are you eager to make the most of your American AAdvantage miles by exploring exotic destinations served by Etihad Airways? Look no further! This guide will walk you through the process of redeeming your AAdvantage miles for Etihad flights, ensuring you unlock the full potential of your rewards.

Etihad Airways’ partnership with American Airlines opens up a world of possibilities, allowing travelers to access a wider range of destinations and flight choices. jetnet american airlines What’s more, passengers can earn AAdvantage miles for their Etihad flights, enhancing the value of their travel experiences.

To start earning Etihad Guest miles, one convenient option is through credit card rewards. While Etihad doesn’t offer a U.S.-based cobranded credit card, you can seamlessly transfer rewards from renowned programs like American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One, and Citi ThankYou Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.

Once you’ve accumulated your miles, it’s time to embark on your Etihad journey. But how do you ensure your flights are credited to your American AAdvantage account? concierge key american airlines Fear not, for the process is simple. After your Etihad flights, wait at least three days before requesting to add them to your AAdvantage account. Utilize the provided form, entering your AAdvantage number and the 13-digit ticket number. Additional information may be required, readily available on your boarding pass stub or ticket receipt.

Etihad Airways boasts an extensive network, particularly in North America, with flights to major cities including Boston, Chicago, New York, Toronto, and Washington. Whether your wanderlust leads you to the Maldives, India, Sri Lanka, or South Africa, Etihad can serve as your gateway to these captivating destinations.

Now, let’s talk redemption. If you’re eyeing the dream of using your AAdvantage miles for etihad airport, rest assured, the process aligns with the standard AAdvantage partner award chart. To provide clarity, consider these examples of one-way business aa pricing: