TSAMTO, March 14th. The South Korean company Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) expects to occupy more than 50% of the global light fighter market by developing a single-seat version of a light combat aircraft based on the combat training FA-50.
According to the Korea IT Times, at a meeting of the board of directors of Korea Aerospace Industries on March 7, it was decided to invest a total of 908.6 billion rubles. won ($700 million) in the development of a single-seat version of the FA-50 and an improved unmanned aerial vehicle AAV (Advanced Air Vehicle).
KAI's previous plans to create a single-seat version were prompted by recent sales of the FA-50 to Poland and Malaysia. Initially, these plans were abandoned in favor of developing the KF-21 fighter. It is planned to invest 355.6 billion in the development of the F-50. won ($273.5 million).
The single-seat aircraft, designated F-50, will be offered to countries that still operate outdated Western aircraft models such as the F-5, A-37 and A-4, as well as Soviet MiG and Su models. To meet the needs of these countries, the F-50 will be custom-made to meet the specific requirements of customers.
The FA-50 multi-purpose light combat aircraft is currently the mainstay of South Korean exports. In total, 138 units were exported. (including basic training versions). The demand for inexpensive platforms of this type is not decreasing.
KAI expects to achieve a share of more than 50% in the single-seat combat aircraft market in the medium term, which is expected to reach more than 450 units, including exports and domestic orders. The company hopes that the total sales volume of the F-50 will exceed 300 units, with Malaysia becoming the first customer country.
To reduce costs, the F-50 will retain its current overall appearance. Special attention will be paid to increasing the flight range by replacing the rear seat with a large fuel tank and providing the possibility of refueling in the air. The range of air-to-air and air-to-ground missile weapons used will be expanded. It is expected that the project will begin this year, and the completion of the development is scheduled for 2028.
KAI is also in the first stage of developing advanced unmanned aerial vehicle AAV technology and plans to invest 55.3 billion in this project in 2024-2025. won ($40 million). The total funding for this program is expected to reach 150 million won ($120 million) by 2028.
At the first stage, basic and detailed design based on the patented geometry model technology will be performed, basic technologies such as a distributed electric propulsion system and a flight control system will be demonstrated. At the second stage (2026-2028), the company plans to complete production and flight tests of the pre-production model, and in 2031 enter the domestic and international markets by obtaining domestic certificates and the US Federal Aviation Administration. By 2050, the company plans total sales of civilian and military AAV models at home and abroad in the amount of 23 thousand units.
