The South Korean Government has ordered an independent review of the proposed Samsung KTX-II advanced trainer/light-combat aircraft to determine the programme's economic feasibility.

Two teams of analysts , including economists from the Korean Development Institute, have already been dispatched to the USA and Europe for industrial and political consultations. A final report, with recommendations on whether to proceed with development of the aircraft, will be submitted to South Korea's finance ministry in March.

While in the USA, the South Korean team met Lockheed Martin and the US Department of Defense. Lockheed Martin signed a preliminary teaming agreement in July with Samsung to develop the tandem-seat aircraft jointly, and both companies had hoped to begin full-scale development early this year.

Discussions are understood to have focused on the cost of developing the KTX-II, the programme's break-even point and benefits for South Korean industry. Seoul has repeatedly sought guarantees from Washington on technology transfer and rights to export the aircraft to third countries.

The South Korean team sent to Europe has met British Aerospace, CASA and Daimler-Benz Aerospace (DASA) to re-examine previously rejected alternative proposals for joint developments or off-the shelf solutions to the South Korean air force's requirement for a new advanced trainer.

BAe has already offered South Korea a further development of its Hawk 100, an earlier version of which is already in air force service, incorporating a new wing and fuselage plug. CASA is seeking South Korean support for the development of its own ATX supersonic trainer/light attack aircraft, while DASA, in conjunction with Denel of South Africa, has proposed the AT-2000 advanced trainer/light fighter.

The estimated $1.2 billion cost of developing the KTX-II has generated strong opposition from elements within the South Korean Government, who argue that the funds would be better spent elsewhere. The air force is also increasingly unhappy with the aircraft's projected date of entry in service, which has slipped to 2005, prompting one local observer to suggest that "-the Government is now looking for an excuse to cancel it".

Local industry, led by prime contractor Samsung, is lobbying for a programme go-ahead in the second half of 1997. They argue that support for the KTX-II is essential if South Korea is to develop a major aerospace industry, particularly now that plans to develop a 100-seat commercial jet are fast evaporating. "They cannot kill both," says a senior South Korean industry executive.

In the interim, the South Korean Government has again extended a small amount of bridging funding to Lockheed Martin and Samung to continue with preliminary development until June, albeit at a reduced pace. The number of US engineers seconded to the Taejon research centre will be halved over the next six months to eight-to-ten people.

Source: Flight International