Indonesia is continuing ahead with its ambitious plans to partner with South Korea for the 4.5 generation KF-X/IF-X programme.
Daily News spoke with Nurkaswiyanto, Chief Engineer IF-X, Technology Centre Division, Directorate of Technology & Development at Indonesia’s state owned airframer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) for an update on the programme.
According to Nurkaswiyanto, one of the main goals of the programme was to develop fighter development capability within Indonesia. The development of capability to manufacture large composite structures for aerospace requirements was another key aspect of the IF-X programme.
Indonesia is now trying to better manage its financial commitment for the IF-X programme and Korea has been supportive of such requests, company officials say. In September, following discussions with the presidents of Indonesia and South Korea, both nations agreed to move ahead with the programme.
The total cost of developing the 4.5 generation fighter is pegged at US$8 billion, with Indonesia to undertake a 20 percent workshare. The total financial commitment for Indonesia is expected to touch US$2.2 – 2.3 billion, over the 10-year design and development cycle.
The cost of each KF-X/IF-X fighter which was initially pegged at US$70 million per aircraft, is now expected to increase to US$75 million per aircraft.
Around 200 Indonesian engineers are already working on the IF-X programme, with some engineers based in South Korea. Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) has also deputed some senior engineers to Indonesia. PT Dirgantara Indonesia has been tasked with producing the composite wing and horizontal and vertical stabilisers for the KF-X and IF-X. While the wing for the first prototype will be built in Korea, all wings for production versions of the KF-X and IF-X will be built in Indonesia, Nurkaswiyanto says.
PTDI will also undertake the integration of weapons and sensors proposed by the Indonesian Air Force, including older weapons such as the AGM65. Indonesia is expected to retain the Diehl Iris-T and MBDA Meteor as the main missile armament for the IF-X.
PTDI will undertake the integration of a 480-gallon external drop tank to meet an Indonesian air force requirement. Korea will use a 370 gallon drop tank for KF-X aircraft.
The Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for the KF-X/IF-X programme was completed in June and the Critical Design Review (CDR) is slated for completion in April 2019, following which the production of the first prototype will commence. The first KF-X prototype will roll-out in 2020.(GBP)
KF-X/IF-X 4.5 Gen Fighter Details Emerge
Additional details of the new 4.5 generation combat aircraft being developed by South Korea with Indonesian participation have emerged at Indo Defence 2018.
The KF-X/IF-X programme is being managed through a Joint Programme Management Organisation, based in Incheon Korea, that brings together South Korea’s Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and the Indonesian MOD. The 4.5 generation fighter will feature advanced avionics, AESA radar and advanced sensors, smart weapons, enhanced survivability and high energy maneuverability.
Indonesia’s state owned airframer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) is tasked with delivering a modified Indonesian version of the Korean KF-X, 4.5 generation stealth multi-role fighter, which is being developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). TNI-AU specific requirements call for the IF-X to be fitted with a drag chute, external 480-gallon fuel tank and new weapons and sensors.
As per the KF-X/IF-X final configuration (C-109). The single seat and twin seat aircraft will have a wing area of 46.5 sq mt and max thrust of 41,392 Ib, using two GE F414 engines. While Maximum Takeoff Gross Weight (MTOGW) has been stated for both types as 25,211 kg; empty weight for the single seat variant is 11,696 kg, while the twin-seat aircraft will weigh 12,048 kg. Max payload for both variants has been pegged at 7,257 kg. In terms of fuel capacity, the single seat aircraft can carry 5,262 kg as compared to 4,237 kg for thee twin-seater.
In addition, flight training and maintenance training systems comprised of simulators, cockpit procedure training systems, maintenance training devices and computer-based training tools will be developed. It is expected that Indonesia will also play a major role in the development of these systems as also other avionics equipment.
KAI is the prime contractor for the programme and will coordinate with Lockheed Martin, Domestic and foreign suppliers, Indonesia’s PTDI and industry and academia. DAPA is handling the development of the AESA radar for the KF-X programme. There will be six flight test prototype aircraft and two structural test prototypes built over the course of developmental testing.
A model of the KF-X at the KAI stand shows the aircraft carrying two air-to-air missiles (AAMs), two precision guided munitions (PGMs), a laser designator pod, recce pod and two drop tanks. (GBP)