Daewoo says that it hopes to sell between 100 and 150 of its new KTX-1 basic trainers to the Republic of Korea air force (ROKAF).
The company will be delivering an initial batch of 20 KTX-1s later this year, and a further 20 in 2000 as the air force phases out its existing Cessna T-37 and T-41 basic trainers.
Daewoo Heavy Industries (DHI) was designated as prime contractor in 1990 to develop the tandem turbo-prop trainer, and is also responsible for designing and building the ground-based training system.
The 10.6m wing-span KTX-1 is powered by a 700kW (950shp) Pratt & Whitney Callade engine and has a range of 1,600km (900nm) and a maximum cruising speed of 260kts (480km/h).
Daewoo is also hoping to export it, particularly in Southeast Asia. "The KTX-1 is as good as anything produced by our rivals and with a price tag of around $3.5 million for the basic model, is very price-competitive," says Daewoo.
Ready
The aircraft will be ready for export by next year once ROKAF has had a chance to put the trainer through its paces.
Daewoo says much will depend on the economic and political situation in the region.
Source: Flight Daily News
