KAI begins final assembly of first KF-X prototype

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has begun final assembly of the first prototype of the Korean Fighter eXperimental (KF-X) multirole fighter aircraft, South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced on 3 September.

DAPA said in a statement that the company has begun joining the aircraft’s fuselage sections and wings at its facility in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, and confirmed that, despite the ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, the prototype is expected to be rolled out in the first half of next year as planned.

KAI had previously stated that the twin-engined aircraft, development of which began in 2015 for the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF), would be unveiled to the public in April 2021. Janes understands that the prototype is expected to conduct its first flight in 2022.

The KF-X, development of which is scheduled to be completed in 2026, is expected to reach a top speed of about 1,400 mph (or about Mach 1.83), have a range of about 2,900 km, a maximum take-off weight of 25,580 kg, and be capable of carrying up to 7,700 kg of payload.

The aircraft, which is expected to be produced in both single- and tandem-seat variants, will feature three hardpoints under each wing for weapons and/or external fuel tanks and will also be capable of carrying four missiles under the fuselage, according to KAI.