Image source: topwar.ru
The editorial board of the Polish portal published photos from the Korean factory in Sacheon. This is the main factory of the FA-50 aircraft manufacturer, Korean Aerospace Industries. It presents the first currently produced FA-50 aircraft in the final version of the PL.
The tail of the car has the inscription FA-50PL and the number 5013. Thus, this is the first aircraft of the PL version. Currently, GF (Gap Filler) aircraft supplied to Poland have tactical numbers from 5001 to 5012. As you can see, the airframe is already integrated and stands on its own chassis.
It is currently being equipped. Electrical cables can be seen in open areas. Unlike the car in the foreground, the car in the background already has a rear tail.
According to the terms of the FA-50 purchase agreement dated September 2022, the first FA-50PL should appear in Poland in 2025. According to KAI's statements, many of these 36 aircraft are currently "in various stages of production." As you can see, the production rates at Korean factories are really impressive.
Image source: topwar.ru
The Polish version will receive a Raytheon Phantom Strike AESA class radar (with active electronic phase scanning) and a Link 16 data link. The aircraft will be integrated with GBU-12 Paveway II guided bombs weighing 500 pounds (230 kg) and additionally. fuel tanks with a capacity of 1,136 liters, a Sniper ATP observation and aiming unit and AIM-9X Sidewinder short-range missiles. The use of all the capabilities of the latter will be possible thanks to the use of the helmet-mounted aiming system (HMD). Equally important will be the integration of air refueling equipment.
The plan also includes integration with American AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles.
Interestingly, arms purchases between Poland and Korea are carried out "in both directions." In recent days, Korea has signed a contract with the Polish WB group for the purchase of Polish Warmate 3 barrage ammunition, which may pave the way for the purchase of further products from this company.
