I’m talking about the period before f35 comes
Long dev time for a missile variant of one already in active service. I wonder if under circumstances they could just give it it’s expected performance and add it to the game just as they did with the KH-38MT
It’s very fluid at the moment, yeah. It’s very possible to renegotiate transfer of 005 or of a different prototype. At the moment all that’s somewhat solidified is the intent to acquire 16 Block IIs.
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Ah, I see. Then I would assume Rafale if Meteors, or staying with the F-2 if it’s only IIR.
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All that’s been undergone are a few separation tests with F-4s and FA-50s in flight. KF-21 at the moment has only received dummy ejection tests. Though service is supposedly planned for early 2030s, active production should begin in a couple of years.
A later response, but I wanted to correct my previous response. At the moment there simply doesn’t appear to be a MAWS on the KF-21 alongside the RWR operating in C~J band. As suspected the original documented plans changed in this aspect. The Block 2 supposes introduction of added sensors allowing detection into Ku-band. Coinciding with Block 3 developments is a supposed thorough infrared sensor array.
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check my post, those are images from a photographer, but next to the intake is that not one of the MAWS sensors?
You can’t really tell if it’s a maws or rwr antenna from that pic alone.
You would need a really nice high quality close up pic to really tell
Every bulb on the KF-21 is an RF jammer. RWR is installed on the wings. A MAWS, or rather as referred to in DAPA documents, a MWR is being developed in conjunction with a DIRCM system, as such there’s currently none installed on the KF-21. These developments aren’t due for completion until the end of the 2020s. Although, it does possess a form of sensor fusion to detect and then jam incoming detected radar missiles.
As can be seen on publicized EW Suite documents, these are the bulbs on the KF-21:
From DAPA documents regarding research on a MWR and DIRCM for improving aircraft survivability:
Spoiler
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only 70? thats concerning
Due to the limitations of other fixed plate AESA in-game, ±70° is quite standard. KF-21 doesn’t integrate a swashplate.
This aged a bit
I’d say that in lack of K-band detection or MAWS, KF-21s should be fine. Even in the current GRB environment of multiple Pantsirs and ADATS, planes lacking both of these systems still perform CAS fine. It would require more care to use for sure. And it seems to be only lock on that’s undetectable, so the pings on RWR should still be present, iirc.
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I was reffering to most modern AA not having k band, well now theres pantsir sm lmao
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Heh, you are correct ofc. Modern SPAA should more or less be fine to deal with. Just the IIRs you would have to take care.
With what’s essentially confirmation through Yonhap, a deal signing for Indonesia’s KF-21s is expected at the end of the month during a state visit to South Korea. Congrats on a first overseas sale!
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As an addendum to this previous news, Yonhap had unfortunately made an error and no immediate confirmation on KF-21s for Indonesia has been set. Though I don’t doubt the eventuality. The recent news however was premature and mistakenly reported, as clarified by KAI themselves.
Response to Media Reports (English translation)
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As of today, the first KF-21 production unit will be rolled out.
ROKAF Announcement
KAI Announcement
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The First Production Unit has officially been rolled out.
Some photos from the ceremony (Higher-Res ones should arrive soon):
Video of the rollout today:
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