Country of origin |
South Korea |
Entered service |
1994 |
Crew |
1 |
Dimensions and weight |
Length |
15 m |
Wing span |
9.9
m |
Height |
4.8
m |
Weight (empty) |
8.5 t |
Weight (maximum take off) |
19 t |
Engines and performance |
Engines |
1 x Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 turbofan |
Traction (dry / with afterburning) |
79 / 129.4 kN |
Maximum speed |
1 400 km/h |
Service ceiling |
15.25 km |
Ferry range |
4 200 km |
Combat radius |
~ 550 km |
Armament |
Cannon |
1 x 20 mm M61 Vulcan 6-barrel cannon |
Missiles |
AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles,
AGM-65D air-to-ground missiles |
Bombs |
free-fall or precision-guided bombs |
Other |
pods with unguided rockets |
|
The KF-16 is
a South Korean multi-role fighter. It is a license-produced version
of the American
F-16. It
was locally
produced by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). Production began in
the early 1990s. A total of 140 KF-16 aircraft were produced. These
aircraft are based on American F-16C (single seat) and F-16D (two
seat) Block 52 aircraft. The first KF-16 fighters were delivered to
the South Korean air force in 1994. At the time it was a modern
warplane. The last aircraft was delivered in 2003. Today this
aircraft is actively used in South Korea.
While
looking just like the F-16, the KF-16 has some changes to meet local
requirements.
The KF-16
has air-to-air and ground-attack capabilities. Furthermore it can
fly in all weather conditions and carry smart weapons. This
multi-role fighter has 7 hardpoints and 2 wing tip mounts. These
mounts are used to carry
AIM-9 Sidewinder short-range air-to-air
missiles. The KF-16 can also carry beyond visual range air-to-air
missiles, such as
AIM-120 AMRAAM, or air-to-surface missiles such as
AGM-65D, cruise missiles, or anti-ship missiles. This fighter can
also carry free-fall or precision-guided bombs, Joint Direct Attack
Munition (JDAM), rocket pods, or fuel tanks. There is an integral M61 Vulcan
20 mm 6-barrel cannon.
The KF-16
has limited air defense suppression capability. This aircraft has a
provision of the HARM targeting system pod.
This South
Korean aircraft has an APG-68(V)7 multi-mode radar. Other features
include a wide-angle Head-Up Display (HUD). This aircraft carries
chaff/flare dispenser for self-defense against incoming missiles.
The KF-16 also has a radar jamming system.
The KF-16 is
powered by a single Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 turbofan engine.
This engine is fitted with an afterburner and generates 79 kN of dry
thrust and 129.4 kN with afterburning. This engine powers late
models of the F-16 and
F-15E Strike Eagle.
Despite its
age the KF-16 is still actively used by the South Korean air force.
There are plans to upgrade this aircraft with modern systems, such
as new radar, armament, mission computers, electronic systems and
cockpit instruments. It would improve its combat capabilities. In
2014 a deal between South Korea and BAE Systems was announced to
upgrade some 134 KF-16 fighters, however later South Korean
government cancelled it. In 2015 it was announced that Lockheed
Martin company was selected to carry out upgrades. So if this deal
comes through, the aircraft will be upgraded to the
F-16V standard.
Variants
KF-16C is a
single-seat multi-role fighter. It is based on American F-16C.
KF-16D is a
twin-seat multi-role fighter. It is based on American F-16D.
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