KAI FA-50: The Versatile Light Combat Aircraft

The Fa-50 Fighter Aircraft is a state-of-the-art light combat platform developed and manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF). It represents a significant advancement in light attack capabilities, leveraging the proven design of a successful trainer aircraft.

Based on the KAI T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft, the FA-50 was conceived to fulfill the need for a modern, agile fighter capable of replacing aging legacy aircraft. Development of this derivative began in October 1997. The extensive development phase involved the construction of six prototypes and concluded in January 2006, leading the way for production and deployment.

FA-50 Fighting Eagle light combat aircraft based on T-50 trainer

The FA-50 achieved a significant milestone in October 2012 when it was awarded a military type certificate by the Korean Military Aircraft Airworthiness Committee (MAAC). This certification was particularly notable as it was the first time a fighter-class military aircraft had received MAAC certification, underscoring the aircraft’s compliance with rigorous standards.

Designed to replace the ROKAF’s older fleet, including the F-5E/F and A-37 aircraft, the indigenously developed KAI FA-50 light attack aircraft has successfully modernized the air force’s capabilities. Its introduction has played a crucial role in enhancing the defense posture and operational readiness of the ROKAF. While considering options, air forces often look at the capabilities and potential costs involved, including exploring information on indian light combat aircraft as a point of comparison in the global market.

Global Orders and Deliveries

The success of the FA-50 is evident in both domestic procurement and international sales. KAI secured a $600 million contract from the Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) in December 2011 for the initial production of 20 FA-50 aircraft for the ROKAF, with deliveries completed by 2014.

Following the initial order, DAPA placed a follow-on serial production contract with KAI in May 2013, valued at KRW1.1 trillion ($1 billion). Deliveries under this contract commenced in 2013, further bolstering the ROKAF fleet.

KAI FA-50 light combat aircraft derivative of T-50 Golden Eagle

The Fa-50 Fighter Aircraft has also garnered significant international interest. In September 2022, Poland contracted KAI for the delivery of 48 FA-50 aircraft, intended to replace their aging MiG-29 fleet in the Polish Air Force. This large order marked a major export success for KAI.

Another notable international customer is Malaysia, which awarded a RM4.08 billion ($909.9 million) contract to KAI in February 2023 for 18 FA-50 fighter jets for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). Deliveries for Malaysia are anticipated to begin in 2026. The aircraft is also currently in service with the armed forces of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand, highlighting its growing presence in the Southeast Asian region. These international sales highlight the global interest in capable light combat aircraft, often prompting discussions around the cheapest fighter jet to buy that meets modern requirements.

Design, Cockpit, and Avionics

The FA-50’s design is rooted in the robust T-50 supersonic advanced trainer platform, presenting itself as an affordable and highly efficient supersonic advanced light attack solution. Its development was aimed at addressing the increasing global demand for capable light fighter requirements from various air forces. The aircraft is equipped with an advanced radar system, providing detection capabilities comparable to those found on the KF-16 fighter.

In terms of physical characteristics, the FA-50 measures 13.14m in length, has a wingspan of 9.45m, and stands 4.82m tall. The aircraft’s empty weight is 6.47 tonnes, while its maximum take-off gross weight can reach 12.3 tonnes.

The KAI FA-50 features a tandem glass cockpit designed to accommodate two crew members. The cockpit is equipped with modern systems to enhance pilot situational awareness and control. Key components include a wide field of view head-up display (HUD), multiple colour multifunction displays (MFDs), digital engine instrumentation, and a Hands On Throttle-And-Stick (HOTAS) system for intuitive control of essential functions. The cockpit also incorporates integrated up-front controls and zero-zero ejection seats for crew safety.

FA-50 Fighting Eagle jet conducting a test flight

The aircraft’s flight control systems are highly sophisticated, featuring digital fly-by-wire technology, an active stick, an electrical emergency power unit, digital brake-by-wire, and a triple redundant electrical system, ensuring reliability and responsiveness. An On-Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS) is also integrated into the cockpit. A significant feature for operational flexibility is the Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS), which ensures the aircraft retains full mission capability during both day and night operations.

FA-50 Fighting Eagle cockpit showing Night Vision Imaging System

The comprehensive avionics package includes an embedded Inertial Navigation System/Global Positioning System (INS/GPS) for precise navigation, an integrated mission computer, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system, a radar altimeter, a multimode radar, and a store management system. Communication is handled via a UHF/VHF radio and a tactical data link. The aircraft also features a data transfer and recording system, a Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), and a Counter Measure Dispensing System (CMDS) for self-protection. When evaluating fighter options, comparing the cheapest fighter jet price with the integrated capabilities like these avionics suites is crucial for potential buyers.

Weapon Systems and Performance

The FA-50 aircraft is a formidable platform capable of carrying a substantial weapons load of up to 4.5 tonnes. This allows it to engage a wide range of targets. The aircraft can be armed with air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder for short-range engagements, and air-to-ground tactical missiles like the AGM-65 Maverick. Precision-guided munitions include the GBU-38/B Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) and the CBU-105 Sensor Fused Weapon (SFW). For conventional bombing roles, it can carry Mk-82 Low Drag General Purpose (LDGP) bombs and Cluster Bomb Units (CBUs).

In addition to its external ordnance, the aircraft is equipped with an internal, three-barrel 20mm Gatling gun for close-in engagements. It also features the LAU-3/A 19-tube 2.75″ rocket launcher, enabling the firing of Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets (FFARs). This diverse array of weapon systems provides the FA-50 jet with the capability to effectively counter multiple types of threats encountered in modern complex battlefield scenarios.

Further enhancing its combat effectiveness, the FA-50 platform is slated for integration with Lockheed Martin’s Sniper advanced targeting pod (ATP). The Sniper ATP is a sophisticated electro-optical targeting system housed in a single, lightweight pod. Its integration will expand the FA-50’s capabilities, adding features like two-colour laser spot tracking (LST), high-definition forward-looking infrared (FLIR), and the Global Scope™ sensor software suite, enabling it to undertake non-traditional intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (NTISR) missions.

The power plant of the KAI FA-50 aircraft is a reliable General Electric F404-GE-102 turbofan engine. This engine is capable of developing 17,700lbf of thrust when using its afterburner, providing the necessary power for supersonic flight. Engine performance is precisely controlled by a dual-channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system.

Fuel for the engine is supplied from the aircraft’s internal fuel tanks. For extended range or loiter time, the FA-50 can also carry 568 litres of additional fuel in an external fuel tank. This powerful engine setup allows the FA-50 to achieve a maximum speed of 1,837.5 km/h, which is equivalent to Mach 1.5.

Conclusion

The KAI FA-50 stands out as a modern, capable, and versatile light combat aircraft. Based on the successful T-50 platform, it offers advanced features, a robust weapon suite, and respectable performance, making it a compelling option for air forces seeking to modernize their fleets. Its increasing adoption by multiple countries underscores its growing significance in the global defense market.