KAI KF-16 Fighting Falcon

History of the KAI KF-16 Fighting Falcon

South Korea's close political relationship with the US provides access to US military products such as the Lockheed (General Dynamics) F-16 Fighting Falcon. Beginning in 1991, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) began locally licensed production of the model named "KF-16".

These aircraft are based on the F-16C/D Block 52 series, with 140 examples completed. The first of a dozen airframes were transferred to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) in December 1994, and these aircraft are actively present in their roster today (2013).

The arrival of the KF-16 began with the Korea Fighter Program (KFP), which was designed to provide the Republic of Korea Air Force with a modernized multirole fighter. The contest initially declared a McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet as the winner until corruption allegations during the selection process cancelled the deal.

It was then decided to replace it with General Dynamics' F-16 Fighting Falcon as a smaller, lighter single-engine replacement.

While the KF-16 looks like a replica of its American sister in every way, it actually introduces thousands of new internal components to meet the requirements of the ROK Air Force. KF-16 is equipped with Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 series turbofan engine IPE (Improved Performance Engine), APG-68(V)7 radar kit, ALQ-200K radar jamming system from LIG Nex1 and LANTIRN (low altitude navigation and nighttime aiming at infrared).

This type is licensed for the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) and has a medium range in addition to its wingtip-mounted short-range AIM-9 sidewinders. The aircraft is also used for maritime operations and can be equipped with anti-ship missiles if necessary.

In January 2011, the series passed the Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) test, further expanding the airframe's tactical value in combat. JDAM is capable of converting traditionally dropped bombs (called "duds") into precision-guided munitions that use global positioning systems (GPS) to free fall.

The KF-16 retains the same appearance as the original F-16, with its beaked nose cone, wraparound canopy, squat, rounded fuselage, swept forward wing edges and a single vertical tail. The aircraft features the signature under-fuselage air intakes that take in the single engine. Choosing a single engine reduces maintenance obligations and operating costs to a certain extent. In addition to the wingtip mounts, the aircraft has seven hardpoints, including six under the wings (three per wing) and three under the fuselage. The centerline and underwing hardpoints are designed to store fuel when needed.

As with the F-16, the standard six-barreled 20mm M61 Vulcan Gatling gun was mounted on the port side of the fuselage.

Beginning in 2011, the KF-16 received a mid-cycle upgrade that, when completed, will bring the series up to an updated standard for the modern battlefield. Key changes include an integrated Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar suite.

Weapons and avionics software will also be revised, expanding weapon options and improving communications within the force.

In addition to the KF-16, the Korean Aerospace Industry also manufactures (or has already manufactured) the KT-1 basic trainer, the T-50 advanced trainer, the F-15K Eagle and the P-3CK maritime patrol platform.

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