Paul Lewis/SEOUL
Hyundai is signalling its intent to produce the wing for the planned Samsung KTX-2 advanced trainer/light combat aircraft, putting it on a collision course with the programme's principal subcontractor, Lockheed Martin.
The US company has already been contracted to design and develop the wing for the tandem-seat jet as part of its agreed 13% stake in the Samsung-led KTX-2 development. Hyundai, however, also wants to secure a significant share of the $2 billion South Korean air force programme for its newly opened Seosan wing manufacturing facility.
Although Lockheed Martin is developing the wing, the South Korean company insists that it is built in-country for the series production phase, says Dong-Jin Kim, president of Hyundai Space & Aircraft. "They want to supply the wing for the life of the programme, but that's not acceptable as long as we've the facility and capability to be a wing specialist," he says.
Hyundai's stand potentially presents a major challenge to Lockheed Martin, with production of the wing being considered an integral part of its estimated $160 million investment in the programme. With development of the KTX-2 not due to be completed before 2004, final workshare arrangements have yet to be addressed.
Lockheed Martin vice-president Vernon Lee admits that no firm production contracts have yet been signed and the existing agreement covers only the "level of participation" in the programme. "It's very likely we will build the wing, and some aspects of the flight controls and avionics," he says.
Meanwhile, Hyundai is continuing to express interest in the parallel private development of the rival AT2000 advanced trainer in partnership with Daimler-Benz Aerospace (Dasa) and possibly South Africa's Denel. Hyundai will again focus on designing and producing the composite wing for the tandem-seat trainer/light fighter.
A big hurdle is the $200 million which needs to be raised from private financial institutions, the sum Hyundai estimates will be needed to cover its share of the AT2000's non-recurring development costs. Kim says the company has until the end of October to report back on a "financing mechanism".
Source: Flight International
