KTX-2 Jet Trainer Will Move with GE Power

When the KTX-2 jet trainer goes into production in 2005 it will be powered by General Electric's F404 augmented turbofan engine.

Designed to train pilots to fly the latest-generation aircraft-F-22, Eurofighter/Typhoon, Rafale and others-the KTX-2 is being developed jointly by Samsung Aerospace and Lockheed Martin. Studies by the two companies predict sales of 600 to 800 aircraft.

The engine is a variant of the F404-402, modified to power the single-engine KTX-2 by the incorporation of specific redundant features and a new control system that includes an advanced FADEC. During engine design, emphasis was placed on commonality with the more than 3,600 F404 engines already in service on the F/A-18, F-117 stealth fighter, Saab JAS 39 Gripen, and other aircraft around the world.

GE Aircraft Engines was awarded a full-scale development program valued at about $50 million, which calls for delivery of six F404 engines for four KTX-2 flight-test aircraft. Flight testing is scheduled to begin in 2001.

In addition, under the provisions of the Lot 1 production agreement-worth about $350 million-GE and Samsung are to co-produce 104 F404 engines to power 94 aircraft, beginning in 2004. The Republic of Korea also has the option of implementing a Lot 2 production agreement for 100 more aircraft.