Hyundai has re-iterated its determination to participate in Daimler-Benz Aerospace's (Dasa) proposed AT-2000 advanced jet-trainer programme, despite the South Korean Government's recent decision to back development of the rival Samsung/Lockheed Martin KTX-II programme.
The company says that it is continuing to discuss the AT-2000 with Dasa and prospective South African partner Denel. With Lockheed Martin and Samsung still to conclude a detailed teaming agreement and a South Korean presidential election scheduled for 1998, the company is promoting AT-2000 as a substitute should the KTX-II falter.
In the absence of a German requirement for the AT-2000 in the near-term and South Africa's shortage of funds to support such a development, the future of the single-engined trainer is unclear.
Western sources in Seoul, however, do not under estimate Hyundai's determination to press ahead with the programme, which is central to its plans to become a major aerospace manufacturer.
Hyundai is partnering McDonnell Douglas in the development of the MD-95 and has teamed with Denel to promote the CSH-2 Rooivalk attack helicopter to the South Korea army.
Source: Flight International