Advancing Localization of Core Technologies Including Light Aircraft Carrier Design

Joint Meeting with Government Research Institutes, Defense Acquisition Program Administration Officials, and Related Parties

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] Various government-affiliated research institutes have embarked on the localization of core technologies, including the design of the light aircraft carrier being pursued by the Navy.

The Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) held the "Light Aircraft Carrier Core Technology Project Integrated Quarterly Meeting" over two days, June 9-10, at the KIMS headquarters in Changwon, Gyeongnam.

Hosted by the Extreme Environment Coating Research Lab of KIMS, the meeting was attended by about 60 participants, including Lee Je-dong, Head of the Ship Technology Team at the Defense Industry Technology Support Center, Kim Tae-hyun, Head of the Amphibious Ship Project Team at the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, as well as project leaders and key researchers from the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, KIMS, and Pusan National University.

The core technology projects discussed involve the proactive development of six technologies related to the flight deck and platform, which are essential for securing key design elements of the light aircraft carrier. Development began in October last year, and this meeting was organized to review the results from the past quarter and discuss plans for the next quarter.

Among these, KIMS is responsible for developing flight deck coating materials and thermal analysis technology. This is a critical technology that involves developing a coating material capable of withstanding engine exhaust heat exceeding approximately 1000°C emitted during carrier-based aircraft takeoff and landing, and applying it to the flight deck. Damage to the deck caused by exhaust flames results in the loss of the light aircraft carrier’s air power. Therefore, coating technology for the flight deck is an essential core technology that must be secured.

To this end, KIMS is developing materials with heat resistance to withstand high-temperature exhaust flames, corrosion resistance considering the massive marine structure, and anti-slip functions to ensure the safety of carrier-based aircraft and crew moving on the flight deck.

Lee Jeong-hwan, President of KIMS, stated, “It is no exaggeration to say that the ranking of advanced countries in the world is directly linked to their status as a materials powerhouse, as materials technology forms the foundation of a nation and translates into national security capabilities. The development of core flight deck material technology will significantly contribute to leading Korea to become a true materials powerhouse and a safe Korea.”