Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is set to receive an aircraft structural diagnostics system from Acellent Technologies Inc., a U.S. company. The aim is to enhance the Korean fighter jet KF-21’s quality competitiveness and accelerate its mass production by the end of the year.
According to Acellent, on the 2nd, the company signed a contract with KAI to supply a Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system for the KF-21.
SHM is a system that identifies any damage to the aircraft’s structure. It collects data through sensors and monitors real-time damage and corrosion status. It aids in early detection of damage, helping to prevent accidents.
KAI is teaming up with Acellent to develop a customized SHM system for the KF-21, leveraging Acellent’s patented sensor-related technology Smart Layer, exclusive data collection hardware, and data analysis software. This will enhance the safety of the KF-21.
The KF-21 is a 4.5th generation fighter jet jointly developed by South Korea and Indonesia. KAI has been working on its development since 2016 and is conducting various tests to start mass production this year. The initial test evaluation was completed, including supersonic flight and air-to-air weapon separation tests. It has also completed the high angle of attack flight safety test that proves stable flight even after a steep ascent. Last month, the electrical environment test was completed to verify regular operation in conditions such as low temperatures, heavy rain, and icing.
KAI plans to mass-produce the KF-21 Block-I fighter and deliver 40 units to the Korean Air Force by 2028. By 2032, it plans to supply 80 units of the KF-21 Block-II. It also explores exports to Thailand, Poland, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is known to have received a request from Saudi Arabia to jointly develop a 6th-generation version of the KF-21.
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