[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence photo] Soaring KF-21 Unit 3

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The third prototype of the Korean fighter jet KF-21 Boramae has successfully completed its maiden flight. The KF-21 is a 4.5-generation advanced fighter jet.

According to Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) on the 5th, the KF-21 third prototype will begin with initial flight health tests like the other prototypes, followed by various expansion tests in altitude, speed, maneuverability, and system performance tests.

The third prototype is a multi-purpose and multi-role prototype equipped with measurement systems for speed range expansion, which was only possible with the first prototype, and structural load range expansion, which was only possible with the second prototype. The structural load range expansion test measures the loads (several times the gravitational acceleration) applied to the aircraft structure during maneuvers to verify the rigidity of the airframe.

Additionally, unlike the vertical tail fin shapes of the first and second prototypes, the third prototype features a paint scheme symbolizing four aircraft soaring into the sky simultaneously. Currently, prototypes 4 through 6 are preparing for ground and flight tests, and upon successful completion, they are scheduled to be sequentially deployed for flight tests in the first half of this year.