Korean KT-1 Turboprop Trainer Makes Debut On International Show Scene

KT-1 turboprop

Unable to show its hottest property, the recently rolled-out T-50 jet trainer, Korea Aerospace Industries has, nevertheless, committed itself to a significant presence at Asian Aviation by bringing no fewer than two examples of the KT-1 turboprop. This is the first occasion on which the type has been seen at an air show outside Korea.

Originally developed by Daewoo as the KTX-1, the aircraft follows the standard turboprop trainer formula of tandem seats and low wing married to a Pratt & Whitney PT6 powerplant. In this respect it closely resembles the Pilatus PC-9, Beech T-6 Texan II and Embraer Tucano, but the South Korean military insignia leave no room for doubt as to its origins.

The aircraft on display are numbers 19 and 20 of a batch of 85 machines in process of delivery to the Republic of Korea Air Force, where they are replacing two very different types of predecessor: the Cessna T-41 (a military Model 172) and Cessna T-37 side-by-side seat light jet.

After the KT-1 course, students progress to the BAE Systems Hawk for advanced training, but that will change when KAI's T-50 enters service, giving the Republic an all-Korean training line-up.

KT-1 is South Korea's first export aircraft. The country has previously modified or license-built U.S. types to meet its own requirements, but the receipt last year of a $60 million contract for seven from Indonesia has put KAI firmly in the export business. Delivery of these aircraft is due to begin next January.

KAI is also promoting an enhanced armed trainer version of the KT-1 which can be seen in the form of a model on stand C230.

By Paul Jackson