LOCKHEEDMARTIN has agreed a deal with Samsung Aerospace on joint development of the KTX-2dvanced-trainer/light-combat aircraft.
The US company says, however, that it will be "touch and go" to sign contracts and secure US export licences by the 1 October date set by the South Korean Government for formal launch of the $2 billion development project.
Dr Vernon Lee, vice-president of Lockheed Martin's system- development centre, says that the company was "surprised and pleased" when South Korea approved the long-stalled programme on 3 July. The Government will fund 70% of development, with Samsung and Lockheed Martin providing 30%. The US company will provide 13% of the investment, which Lee cautions is not measured in strict workshare or dollar terms.
Lockheed Martin ,which has been involved in work on the aircraft for several years, will provide technical assistance to Samsung and develop the KTX-2 wing, avionics and flight-control system and produce some structures. Lee does not anticipate problems securing US export licences. The South Korean air force has an initial need for 94 aircraft trainers, and there have been talks on a light combat version, he says. Lockheed Martin is to help with marketing.
Involvement in the KTX-2 will help Lockheed Martin meet its offset commitments to South Korea, under which Samsung is building F-16s for the air force.
Source: Flight International
