KAI May Upgrade A-50, Develop F-50 Fighter Version
DATE : 2003-12-04
SEOUL, South Korea - The Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) is exploring possible enhancements to the Korea Aerospace Industries/Lockheed Martin A-50 lead-in fighter trainer (LIFT).
The upgrades would primarily involve the aircraft's self-protection capabilities to enable it to serve in the close air support role. Systems likely to be incorporated include radar warning receivers, countermeasures dispenser systems and onboard inert gas generating systems (OBIGGS). The additional equipment would only be purchased for A-50s replacing RoKAF Cessna A-37s, which are now used in the close air support role. The RoK plans to procure 44 A-50s, about half of which will be delivered to lead-in fighter training squadrons beginning in 2008. The other half are earmarked for close air support squadrons from 2011.
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is also offering an electronic-warfare suite and reconnaissance pod for the A-50, but sources say these particular options are not included in the present A-50 close air support requirement review, which is slated for completion in 2004. KAI is also offering further upgrades for a proposed fighter variant, the single-seat F-50 which would feature an upgraded radar with beyond visual range missile capability and an upgraded cockpit incorporating a third multifunction color display and a head-up display (HUD). A datalink and FLIR would also be added.
As part of an F-50 conceptual design and feasibility study, KAI concluded that it could incorporate over 30 different types of weapons into the aircraft without any major changes to the T-50/A-50 design. KAI says the platform can support guided weapons, rocket/gun pods, electronic countermeasures, navigation/reconnaissance
/utility pods and air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles. Should the F-50 variant go forward, KAI hopes to begin deliveries in four-six years. The aircraft would target the Northrop F-5 replacement market, although the manufacturer also feels it could replace some older model Lockheed Martin F-16s. KAI is lobbying the government to begin funding F-50 development in 2004, using the 600 engineers that developed the T-50/A-50.
Source: Flight International
Source Date: November 25, 2003
Author: Brendan Sobie