Paul Lewis/SINGAPORE
Daewoo Heavy Industries of South Korea plans to complete development and operational flight testing of the KTX-1 turboprop basic trainer by September. It is already preparing tooling, in advance of an anticipated final government go-ahead to begin production in 1999.
A fifth and final prototype was scheduled to make its maiden flight from Sachon in the middle of March. The tandem-seat aircraft is to complete more than seven years of company development flight testing by late April, after which it will embark on a final five month programme of operational testing.
The aircraft has been completed to a pre-production standard, incorporating structural, subsystem and up-rated powerplant enhancements and modifications made to the preceding third and fourth test examples. The KTX-1 is powered by a flat-rated 710kW (910shp) Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-62 turboprop and includes refined flight control surfaces for improved handling.
Daewoo has also fitted the fifth prototype with replacement digital cockpit instruments in place of analogue systems, including new electronic engine and attitude indicators. The wing span of the indigenously developed trainer has grown to 10.6m, while its maximum take-off weight has increased to 2,480kg. The overall height of the KTX-1 and the size of the horizontal stabiliser have also been increased.
According to local officials, it is hoped that the completion of flight testing will clear the way for conclusion of contractual negotiations with the Government by November, with production to begin the following year.
As prime contractor, Daewoo will be responsible for final assembly, with Korean Air and Samsung Aerospace supplying major subassemblies.
With outside assistance, Daewoo is also developing a level-C full-flight simulator with 150í visuals. South Korean air force plans call for the delivery of the first production series trainer in 2000. The air force is believed to require between 100 and 150 aircraft to replace its fleet of Cessna T-37 and T-41 trainers.
Source: Flight International
