Reuters
South Korea is working on a prototype of the KF-X, which has greater stealth capabilities than the fourth generation fighters.
According to the American National Interest magazine, the company “KAI”, which manufactures spacecraft in South Korea, is currently working on a prototype of the “KF-X” (KF-X), which although it does not have a complete stealth specification, such as some Fifth-generation fighters, however, have a greater ability to stealth than fourth-generation fighters.
The KF-X is somewhat similar to the US F-35 stealth fighter, as both fighters have a prominent and specific front to disperse the enemy’s radar.
The site published a report entitled “The Stealth Fighter That Should Make North Korea Extremely Scared,” and emphasized that the stealth characteristics that are likely to characterize “KF-X” such as Serpentine air intakes that deflect from the radar and a radar absorbent coating give the new fighter additional advantages .
Although the “KF-X” has many attenuating characteristics for radar detection, one of the major obstacles that the plane faces to maintaining its concealment are externally portable weapons, since it lacks a closed bomb container, meaning that any weapon is carried. On the airframe are potential radar pickup points.
The KF-X is to be a dual-engine, single-seat light jet aircraft, and priority will be given to low operating cost and ease of maintenance, which will allow the South Korean Air Force to use large numbers of them.
The KF-X will eventually replace the F-4 and F-5 combat aircraft, both of which are old American designs from the Cold War era.
The manufacturer “KAI” reported that it had received some technical assistance from the American company Lockheed Martin for its hidden project.
Ultimately, Seoul wants to acquire a total of 120 stealth fighters, which must be delivered in full by 2032, at which point it will become the second Asian country after China to use a homemade stealth fighter.
Source: American “National Interest” magazine
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