Given that the flight was only meant to confirm the initial flight stability, the aircraft was operated by a single pilot of the 52 Test Evaluation Group. This prototype is due to evaluate the effect of the difference in shape from the single-seat type on the aircraft, AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Phased Array) radar system and avionics test,' the Defence Acquisition Programme Administration explained. It is the fourth prototype of the 4.5 generation fighter but the first to feature a twin-seat cockpit. Eventually, the main role of this variant will be training missions.
What is the KF-21 Boramae fighter jet?
The KF-21 Boramae was a result of the long-running KF-X development programme, a joint development between South Korea and Indonesia. The fighter is powered by two F414 engines supplied by GE Aviation. It is the same engine used on F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and Saab JAS 39E/F Gripens. The programme is led by the South Korean government, which holds 60% of the programme's shares. Indonesia took a 20% stake in the programme in 2010, whilst the remaining 20% are held by private partners including the manufacturer Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). The KAI KF-X is South Korea's second domestic fighter jet development programme, following the FA-50. In April 2021, the first prototype was completed and unveiled during a rollout ceremony at the headquarters of KAI at Sacheon Airport. It was officially given the name Boramae (young hawk or fighting hawk). The first test flight was conducted on 19 July 2022, with manufacturing scheduled to begin in 2026. 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 export market. In Indonesia, the KF-X development programme is referred to as the IF-X programme. The Jakarta Globe reported that the completed aircraft will receive the designation F-33.
This story is from the April 2023 edition of African Pilot.
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This story is from the April 2023 edition of African Pilot.
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