South Korea has tested the KF-21 fighter in the sky for the first time. The development cost $6.67 billion
South Korea tested a prototype KF-21 fighter in the sky for the first time.
What we know
This was reported by Yonhap News. The fighter made its maiden flight from the 3rd Training Flight Wing in Sacheon, about 300 kilometers south of Seoul, the headquarters of its manufacturer, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) Ltd. The plane stayed in the air for about 30-40 minutes. It had a maximum flight speed of 400 km/h. After that it landed successfully. The tests of KF-21 should last until 2026. Then South Korea is planning to begin mass production of the novelty.
For those who do not know
KF-21 (original name KF-X) is a joint project of South Korea and Indonesia with 80% and 20% participation respectively. Its cost is 6.67 billion, although initially it was estimated at $5.2 billion. Development of the fighter began in 2001. Many scandals and spy stories are associated with the plane. Initially KF-X was planned as a fifth generation fighter with capabilities of F-22 and dimensions of F-16. But during the development the requirements for KF-X were lowered. As a result it became a 4.5 generation aircraft. The KF-X is 13 meters long and 4.5 meters tall.
Source: Yonhap News
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