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Citat:Hanwha Systems is working on the fighter’s targeting pod, no doubt with much support from ADD. The country has not made such a device before, but it has technology from naval infrared sensors. The key challenge involves reducing size and weight, says a project manager on the supplier side of the fighter program. ADD also has experience in developing a reconnaissance pod.
The choice of a pod, in contrast to the Lockheed Martin F-35’s internal system, was probably driven by ease of integration and a lack of space in the smaller South Korean aircraft. Using a pod implies a planned second, stealthy version of the KF-X will not have low radar signature in the surface-to-air role. The weapon bay intended for the second version is not likely to accommodate a large internal air-to-surface load, anyway.
By contrast, the electronic warfare (EW) system that LIG Nex1 is working on will be internal. The technology comes in part from the ALQ-200 EW pod used by South Korean F-16s and F-4s, says another supplier-side source.
The same company is supplying the flight-control computer, radar altimeter and flight data recorder. All of these are derived from systems developed for the Korean Air Lines Co. MUAV surveillance drone.
The predecessor program most relevant to KF-X is the one that developed the T-50 trainer and its light-attack versions. The T-50 used the conventional aeronautics hydraulic pressure of 3,000 psi (21,000 kPa). KAI wanted consideration of the more modern figure of 5,000 psi, which should have cut weight and bulk. But familiarity with 3,000-psi technology and the availability of testing equipment led to the decision to stay at that level, says the second supplier-side source. Spanish hydraulics specialist CESA will assist in hydraulics development, as well as in designing the arrestor hook.
Since the KF-X is bigger and carries more systems, notably a radar, electrical capacity is much greater than in the T-50. Power in the LIG Nex1 system is up more than 50%.
The head-up display (HUD) will be manufactured under license from BAE Systems by LIG Nex1, which will have to design the interface with the rest of the avionics. BAE also made the less advanced HUD in the T-50.
KAI chose Heroux-Devtek and Hanwha to develop the landing gear. Most of the work will surely be done by the experienced Canadian company, although this has not been officially announced.
The KF-X’s engine is the General Electric F414. Hanwha’s propulsion division, Hanwha Techwin, will make parts and, according to the companies’ joint statement, lead integration and installation. Again, the foreign manufacturer is likely to play a larger role than is acknowledged.
http://aviationweek.com/defense/south-korea-tackle.....pment-kf-x
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