KA-1 is a light attack aircraft indigenously developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF). It is based on the KT-1 single-engine basic trainer aircraft that is in service with the 15th Composite Wing’s 237th Tactical Control Squadron of the ROKAF.

The KA-1 is equipped with light-attack and forward air control capabilities and can complement fighter jets in air-to-ground attack missions.

KA-1 orders and deliveries

KAI delivered 20 KA-1 aircraft to the ROK Air Force under a contract signed with the South Korean Ministry of National Defence (MND) in 1999.

ROK Air Force KA-1

The Peruvian Air Force placed a contract worth approximately $200m with KAI for 20 aircraft, including 10 KT-1 trainers and 10 KA-1 light attack variants in November 2012. The contractual scope includes technology transfers for the production of 16 aircraft at the local joint production factory in the Peruvian Air Dorce unit located in Las Palmas.

KT-1/ KA-1 will replace the EMB-312 and MB-339 aircraft operated by the Peruvian Armed Forces.

Peruvian Air Force KA-1

The first four aircraft produced at KAI’s production facility in Korea were delivered to the Peruvian Government by December 2014. The first of 16 aircraft being built in Peru were delivered to the Peruvian Air Force in April 2015. Deliveries of the remaining aircraft are scheduled to conclude by 2016.

KAI light attack aircraft design and features

The KA-1 was jointly developed by KAI and the Korean Agency for Defence Development (ADD) between 2001 and 2003 under the KTX programme. It is equipped with advanced flight control systems and can carry conventional weapons and external fuel tanks.

Length of the aircraft is 10.3m, while the width of 10.3m and it’s height is 3.7m. Its empty and maximum take-off weights are 1.91t and 2.54t, respectively, and useful load carrying capacity is 630kg.

Cockpit and avionics of the light attack aircraft

U.S. Air Force photo / Airman 1st Class Dillian Bamman

The advanced glass cockpit of KA-1 houses Mk.16 ejection seats in tandem configuration for two crew members. It is fitted with a head up display (HUD) to present flight and navigation data as well as weapon release cues. The avionics suite also integrates two multi-function displays (MFDs), including a flight and navigation display, and weapon station display.

MK16 ejection seats from Martin Baker

Currently used in F-35, Eurofighter, T-6 Texan II, Rafale and T-38/F-5. Source martin-baker.com

Also installed on the aircraft is a global positioning system (GPS) / inertial navigation system (INS) / tactical air navigation (TACAN) system, avionics simulation computer (ASC), electronic attitude director indicator (EADI), electronic engine instrument (EEI), and airborne video tape recorder (AVTR), as well as UHF / VHF, identification friend or foe (IFF) and weapon control unit.

The advanced flight control system includes conventional mechanical controls, automatic rudder trim system, and gaseous oxygen system, as well as air cycle environmental control system (ECS), two independent hydraulic systems, and selectable nose wheel steering or parking brake.

Armament aboard KA-1

The KA-1 light attack aircraft features five hard-points, including two under each wing and one under the fuselage. These hard-points are fitted with LAU-131 seven-tube rocket launchers and HMP 12.7mm guns.

LAU-131 seven-tube rocket launchers

TYPE

LAU-131/A LAUNCHER

LENGTH

59.8 INCHES (152 CM.)

DIAMETER

10.125 INCHES (25.7 CM.)

WEIGHT (EMPTY)

65 POUNDS (29.5 KG.)

CAPACITY

7 ROCKETS (2.75 INCH/70MM.)

HMP Machine gun pods

The HMP pods are fitted with the 12.7mm M3P heavy machine gun and carry either 250 or 400 rounds of ammunition. The M3P has a rate of fire of about 1.075 rpm and may use any type of 12.7mm ammunition. The effective range is 3 km versus area targets and 1 km against single vehicles.

The HMP pods are fitted with a 12.7mm M3P heavy machine gun. Three versions are available. The designation HMP is followed by the number of rounds it carries and if it is fitted with a links collector (LC) or links and case collector (LCC).

HMP-250 LC: Original and most common variant which has a 250 round capacity and links collector. It is identified by its rounded nose cone.

Type	Gun pod
Platform	Aircraft, helicopters
Length	2.05 m
Diameter	0.41 m
Weight	116.5 kg loaded
Armament	12.7mm M3P machine gun with 250 rounds
Remarks	Mach 0.75 maximum speed, 355 mm lug spacing

HMP-400 LC: HMP model with 400 round capacity and links collector. It is identified by its squared rounded nose cone.

Type	Gun pod
Platform	Aircraft, helicopters
Length	2.12 m
Diameter	0.41 m
Weight	138 kg loaded
Armament	12.7mm M3P machine gun with 400 rounds
Remarks	Mach 0.70 maximum speed, 355 mm lug spacing

HMP-400 LCC: HMP-400 model with links and case collector. The case collector is located in the squared bulge below the pod.

Type	Gun pod
Platform	Aircraft, helicopters
Length	2.12 m

Diameter	0.41 m wide, 0.45 m tall
Weight	138 kg loaded
Armament	12.7mm M3P machine gun with 400 rounds

Remarks

Mach 0.75 maximum speed, 355 mm lug spacing

Source weaponsystems.net

MK-81 (250lb) and MK-82 (500lb)

Engine and landing gear

Buddy Wing 16-2 takes flight over Osan skies

U.S. Air Force photo / Senior Airman Kristin High-Released

Power for the aircraft comes from a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-62 turboprop engine driving a Hartzell four-bladed aluminium propeller through an epicyclical speed reduction gearbox. The engine, equipped with multi-stage axial and single-stage centrifugal compressor, has a rated power output of 950hp (708kW).

Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-62 turboprop engine

Multi- stage axial and single-stage centrifugal compressor

Reverse flow, radial inlet with screen for FOD (Foreign Object Damage) protection
Large high power PT6A models incorporate 4-stage axial and 1-stage centrifugal
Small and Medium PT6A models incorporate 3-stage axial and 1-stage centrifugal

Reverse flow combustor

Low emissions, high stability, easy starting, durable

Single-stage compressor turbine

Cooled vanes in some models to maintain high durability

Independent ‘free’ power turbine with shrouded blades

Large and Medium PT6A models incorporate 2-stage axial power turbine
Small PT6A models incorporate 1-stage axial power turbine
Forward facing output for fast hot section refurbishment

Epicyclic speed reduction gearbox

Enables compact installation
Output speed optimized for highest power and low propeller noise
1,700 to 2,200 rpm output speed

Electronic engine controls on multiple PT6A models

Other models incorporate various control modules and over-ride features to promote ease of operation and safety of flight

	Thermodynamic Power Class* (ESHP***)	Mechanical Power Class* (SHP)	Propeller Speed (Max. RPM)	Height** (Inches)	Width** (Inches)	Length** (Inches)
PT6A ‘Small’ (A-11 to A-140)	600 to 1075	500 to 900	1,900 to 2,200	21 to 25	21.5	61.5 to 64

* Powers are approximate values at take-off. Available at sea level, standard day, static conditions, uninstalled.
** Dimensions are approximate values.
*** Equivalent Shaft Horsepower: includes estimated equivalent contribution of exhaust thrust.

Source pwc.ca

The aircraft is equipped with a retractable try-cycle landing gear, including two single-wheel main units and a steerable nose unit.

U.S. Air Force photo / Senior Airman Kristin High-Released

KA-1 performance

The aircraft has a maximum speed of 648km/h (350kt) and range of 1,600km. It can reach a maximum altitude of 11,580m (38,000ft) and has G-limits of -3.5/+7.0g. It can be fitted with two 50gal external fuel tanks for achieving higher range.