I believe this engine should also fit in the KA-50.
FA-50 I believe use GE-404, thus as this is basically GE-414 derivative, then it will be bigger in diameter. Although I also read some speculation in Korean Defense Blogs like Bemil Chosun on F-50 (the plan single seater FA-50 derivative) will use similar engine with KF-21.
think the biggest issue with this project currently is Indonesia. Who needs to decide to fully commit, or fully get out, and the Koreans need to decide if they want the Indonesians in or out. At this stage is undermines the whole program.
That's I agree, and problem with Indonesia in my opinion back to one underlying basic question, what to expect on Aerospace Industry development. Whether involve with Fast Jets development or step by step development on Civilian Turboprop Airliners.
I have been attack in this forum before or other forums by few over nationalistic Indonesian, on the stage and conditions of Indonesian Aerospace Industry. Yes Indonesia has Aircraft Manufacturers, but Indonesia doesn't have developed production chains to support the industry domestically. In fact on the matter of Aerospace supply chain, Singapore and Malaysia are more developed then Indonesia on that matter.
If you have Airframes manufacturer however without strong domestic supply chain, and the result will be the same on every Industry. Your manufacturer will be inefficient and expensive to develop.
In sense Indonesian SOE officials seems understand that, and (at least on paper) the N219 will be develop with more supporting suppliers domestically. However when you enter more complex Airframes like KF-21, then either you are only involve on assembly by licensing agreement or involve with getting in part of the overall supply chains. The problem is politically Indonesian politicians want to have both but with limited investment.
That's the core of problem in Indonesia, confusions on too much expectations or limited expectations (thus limited investment) from this project. Thus I sense for several years (especially during Jokowi's administration), confusion on what should be expected from participation in this KFX program. When you're confuse, then what most happen is you decided to delayed as much as possible on your commitment.
I suspect ROK and KAI wait until Prabowo's administration take over from Jokowi's ones. Then they Will decide whether continue or cut loose Indonesia on the projects.
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is focused on the potential to expand FA-50 fleets with existing customers in Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand.
www.flightglobal.com
Indonesia has the potential to add FA-50s to its existing fleet of T-50 trainers – the jet from which the FA-50 is derived. Initially, Jakarta could obtain 10-12 examples to replace BAE Systems Hawks and Northrop F-5s, but this number could ultimately grow to 40 aircraft.
Put this on Indonesian AF thread before, but put it here, as I also heard sometime back on potential Indonesia choose to licensing FA-50 as way put to ROK from KF-21. Seems now some media already indicating that.
In my opinion the biggest threat for KF-21 in export is FA-50. If they put that Hanwha new GE414 derivative on FA-50 or F-50, then most Global South market potentially will take that, instead KF-21.
m.koreatimes.co.kr
