Full-scale development of the KTX-II light combat aircraft/advanced trainer will continue, despite deep cuts in South Korean defence expenditure, say Samsung Aerospace and partner Lockheed Martin.
The two companies are pressing ahead with refining the overall design of the aircraft and finalising the selection of subsystems, including the multimode radar. While acknowledging that South Korea's economic slump might force a slowdown in the development, Lockheed Martin vice-president F-16 programmes, Bob Elrod, says: "We've not been advised of any stretch outs."
The outgoing South Korean Government has already injected additional funds into the programme to offset partially the large fall in the value of the South Korean won. The final allocation of funding in 1998 is still subject to review by the in-coming administration of president-elect Kim Dae Jung. "I would not be surprised to see some adjustments," adds Elrod.
Following a Government go-ahead last November, Samsung and Lockheed Martin are now working to complete system engineering by the end of the year to allow hardware manufacturing in 1999. One of the last few remaining subsystem decisions still to be taken is the selection of a radar.
Under the engineering and manufacturing development agreement between Washington and Seoul, the choice of candidate radars has effectively been narrowed down to two US systems, the Northrop Grumman APG-66(V) and Lockheed Martin APG-67. A decision is expected soon, say officials.
The KTX-II's cockpit avionics will be closely modelled on that installed in the F-16 fighter, and that is reflected in the selection of multifunction displays and a GEC-Marconi head-up display. Lockheed Martin, as part of its 13% stake in the programme, has responsibility for system integration, as well as design of the wing.
nCuts in South Korean military expenditure are affecting planned new programmes which have yet to be selected or get off the ground. Major capital procurements such as the next generation F-X fighter and airborne early warning aircraft have all been deferred.
Source: Flight International
