Successful Aerial Refueling Test Flight of the 'KF-21'

Operation Range Increased by Over 50% Through Aerial Refueling

The Korean fighter jet ‘KF-21 Boramae’ has successfully completed an aerial refueling test flight. This signifies the acquisition of long-range operational capability.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 19th, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration announced that the KF-21 prototype No. 5 (single-seat) took off from the Air Force 3rd Training Flight Group in Sacheon, Gyeongnam, and successfully conducted an aerial refueling flight over the South Sea. The aerial refueling was carried out using the KC-330 aerial refueling aircraft operated by the Republic of Korea Air Force, by connecting the refueling boom of the tanker to the KF-21’s aerial refueling receptacle during flight and transferring the fuel stored in the tanker to the KF-21.

Aerial refueling capability is one of the essential functions that modern fighter jets must possess. It extends the operational radius and endurance of the KF-21, maximizing operational effectiveness such as long-range mission capability and enhancing the combat power of the Air Force. The operational radius varies depending on the timing and amount of fuel transferred during aerial refueling, but a single refueling can increase it by at least 50%.

A representative from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration explained, “During aerial refueling, turbulence occurs behind the tanker, so we evaluated how this affects the control of the KF-21, ensured that the connection and disconnection with the tanker are safe, and confirmed the aerial refueling functions such as fuel transfer.”