South Korea plans to develop new indigenous multi-role transport aircraft

 

CGI of KAI's proposed transport aircraft design. Photo c/o KAI, through Jane's.

South Korean aircraft manufacturer Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is planning to develop a new indigenous multi-role transport aircraft for the South Korean military as well as for the export market.

KAI released a promotional video as part of its presence in the Aerospace Conference 2021 held from 11 to 13 May 2021 in Seoul, South Korea, which included a computer generated image (CGI) of a proposed multi-role jet transport aircraft design.

The aircraft appears to be similar in size to the Embraer KC-390 and Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules, and will have a twin-jet engine configuration.

KAI envisions the new aircraft to be used for troop and cargo transport, support of Special Forces operations, and launching small satellite-carrying rockets into space.

Other potential missions using a derivative of the aircraft platform includes maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare, aerial refuelling tanker, and as a gunship with air-to-surface missiles.

The design could also be used as basis for a commercial platform with seating capacity of up to 100.

KAI Chief Executive Officer Ahn Hyun-ho made an earlier announcement last April 2021 that the company is preparing to submit proposals to the South Korean military on the development of a medium transport aircraft.

Should the South Korean government support the program, KAI expects the development to start by late 2025, with the aircraft ready for serial production by 2031.

The South Korean military currently operates a variety of transport aircraft in different roles, including the Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules and C-130J Super Hercules, and the Airbus-PTDI CN-235. 

It also currently has the Airbus A330 MRTT for aerial refuelling roles, as well as the Lockheed P-3C Orion and Boeing P-8A Poseidon for maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare roles. 

[1] Jane’s

[2] Defense News