[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] Kai's New Opportunity: 'Next-Generation Aviation'

Low Maintenance Cost 'Next-Generation Electric Propulsion Basic Trainer'
Domestic and International Market Domination Expected with Development of Indigenous Multipurpose Transport Aircraft

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) exported the domestically produced supersonic advanced trainer T-50 to Indonesia in 2011. Although it was the first export, it was worth about 400 million dollars and became a signal flare for the export of 'K-Defense'. Since then, KAI has exported over 220 aircraft worth approximately 8.8 billion dollars overseas. KAI has embarked on aircraft development again to conquer new export markets.

A representative example is the next-generation basic trainer (Sorigae·Black Kite) introduced by KAI in 2011. 'Sorigae (Black Kite)' means 'a hawk soaring through the sky riding on updrafts.' The next-generation basic trainer is a model that will replace the KT-1 basic trainer currently operated by the Republic of Korea Air Force. KAI is raising the engine output of the next-generation basic trainer (engine with over 1,600 horsepower) to the highest level in its class, while also considering an electric-powered derivative.

Once military requirements are confirmed, the plan is to develop a high-output engine within seven years and incorporate designs to apply electric propulsion. The electric next-generation basic trainer that KAI will introduce is noteworthy as it is the world's first attempt at a military electric trainer. Electric propulsion in aircraft is expected to reduce operating and maintenance costs and minimize environmental pollution by using electric motors and batteries as power sources instead of internal combustion engines.

Kai's next-generation basic trainer aircraft 'Sorigae' introduced in 2011

Kai is conducting a project named 'MC-X' to develop a domestically produced multipurpose transport aircraft.

Development of a domestically produced multipurpose transport aircraft has also begun. The project name is ‘MC-X’. KAI analyzes that about 100 transport aircraft will be needed domestically and about 800 overseas. The development period is estimated to be 7 to 8 years, shorter than the 10-year development period of the KF-X fighter, with a budget estimated at around 3 to 4 trillion won. Unlike the C-130 series aircraft that use turboprop engines, the MC-X will use turbofan engines to achieve a maximum speed of Mach 0.75 (850 km/h), a maximum range of 5,000 km, and a transport capacity of about 30 tons. It will be capable of carrying 120 general combat troops or about 80 special forces personnel, meeting the requirements of the Korean military as well as conditions to secure competitiveness in overseas markets, according to KAI.

The use of multipurpose transport aircraft by the Korean military is increasing. In addition to military transport operations and overseas deployments, various missions such as transporting COVID-19 vaccines, repatriating Korean nationals from conflict zones, and overseas disaster relief activities are required. This also implies the necessity of developing a Korean-style multipurpose transport aircraft from a non-military perspective. If developed, the multipurpose transport aircraft could also be used as various military aircraft such as patrol aircraft, refueling aircraft, and reconnaissance aircraft. Transport and special mission aircraft account for 33% of the global fixed-wing military aircraft market, and considering this, it represents a new business opportunity for KAI.

The KF-21N carrier-based fighter, based on the KF-21 Boramae, is also planned for development. A carrier-based fighter refers to an aircraft deployed on an aircraft carrier, designed to operate using catapult launch or short takeoff and landing methods, and will be equipped for air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air-to-ship armaments.