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The evolution of the KAI FA-50 Fighting Eagle continues, as improvements are being made to increase its range and offensive capabilities.

A new 300-gallon belly fuel tank is under development, which is twice as large as the ones in use now. This could increase fuel capacity and range.

KAI is also working with Cobham Mission Systems to develop an in-flight refueling system, probably using a telescopic probe system to allow refueling using probe and drogue method.

More munitions are being integrated with the aircraft, which may include the AIM-120 AMRAAM beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), a new within visual range air-to-air missile  (WVRAAM), Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod, Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser (WCMD), and a new anti-ship and/or ground attack cruise missile.

Back in 2019, we reported that the Sniper ATP integration has started and could be type-certified with the FA-50 by end of 2020.

All these updates would mean reaching the planned FA-50 Block 20 version of the aircraft.

Currently the FA-50PH used by the Philippine Air Force are only capable of using standard variants of the AIM-9 Sidewinder (no off-boresight capability), the GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway II and GBU-38 JDAM, and the AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missile, all of which are short range.

KAI has been offering to upgrade the PAF's FA-50 fleet, as well as offer new FA-50s. The original RAFPMP program from Horizon 1 to 3 includes for the PAF to have 24 Surface Attack Aircraft/Lead-in Fighter Trainer (SAA/LIFT) by end of Horizon 3.

Photo credits to Aviacionline.

#MaxDefense #MaxDefensePH #FA50FightingEagle #FA50Block20 #PhilippineAirForce #PAF5thFighterWing #KoreaAerospaceIndustries #KAI


글 마지막에 보면 KAI가 필리핀에 파오공 개량형 판매뿐 아니라 기존 파오공 개량까지 세트로 제안했다고 하고 필리핀군 계획에 따르면 호라이즌3가 끝나면 Surface Attack Aircraft/Lead-in Fighter Trainer (SAA/LIFT)을 24기 보유할 예정이라고 말하지?

SAA/LIFT가 필리핀군의 파오공 분류형식임, 한마디로 카이는 이번에 12기 추가도입해서 SAA/LIFT 24기 풀로 채우고 연기된 MRF대신 파오공 개량형에 암람 인티해줄테니 그거로 커버치자는 제안을 한거지

과연 필리핀 공군이 이걸 받아들일지는 의문임, 돌아가는 꼬라지 봐선 야로나 끝나고 다시 국방예산 증액해서 그리펜을 도입하고 말지 파오공 추가도입은 안할꺼 같거든

뭐 당장 급하면 파오공이 될수도 있는데 파오공 개량형이 그렇게 빨리 나올까? 난 모르겠음