South Korea develops new single-seat variant of its FA-50 light attack aircraft to match US F-16 roles at lower acquisition cost
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As reported by kf21_military on May 5, 2025, the development of a single-seat variant of the South Korean FA-50 light attack aircraft advanced with the issuance of a formal tender by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), which involves the construction of a cockpit for a controllability evaluation simulator specifically for the single-seat version of the FA-50. This step marks the beginning of technical work under the F-50 program, which was reactivated in 2024 after being previously suspended in favor of prioritizing the KF-21 Boramae fighter program. The simulator is intended to assess control characteristics of the single-seat model. KAI has scheduled the project to run for 22 months, from May 2025 through February 2027.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
South Korea estimates that the single-seat FA-50 variant, referred to in earlier planning as the F-50, will retain approximately 80% of the F-16’s capabilities while reducing acquisition and maintenance costs. (Picture source: KAI)
The translated bid notice defines the project as the “FA-50 single-seat controllability evaluation simulator cockpit production.” The scope of the work includes the design, fabrication, installation, and integration support of the simulator cockpit. Only entities meeting several financial and legal conditions are eligible to participate. These include companies that are not in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, are free from government sanctions, and have not been subject to national or local tax delinquency orders. Additional requirements include no capital impairment, a debt ratio of less than 500% as of the latest financial statements, and, for external audit firms, no audit opinions classified as “refusal of opinion” or “inappropriate.”
Submission of a letter of intent to participate was required by 17:00 KST on March 17, 2025. Required documents included the letter of intent, a confidentiality agreement using the form provided, recent financial and income statements, credit inquiry results, company profile, and national or local tax payment certificates. The submission process was limited to email, directed to KAI’s designated contact, Manager Woohyuk Choi. If fewer than two valid bids are received, KAI may re-advertise the tender. If only a single bidder applies after re-advertisement, KAI may proceed with a negotiated contract. Only organizations that submit letters of intent will be invited to a bid explanation session and permitted to submit a full proposal. All submitted documents will remain with KAI and will not be returned.
The tender supports the renewed development of the single-seat FA-50 variant, referred to in earlier planning as the F-50. The project resumed in 2024 with financial backing from the South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE). The aircraft will eliminate the second cockpit and install a 300-gallon auxiliary fuel system. This modification is expected to increase its operational radius by approximately 20% to 30%, compared to the FA-50’s current 443 kilometers (239 nautical miles). At the time, KAI estimated that the F-50 will retain approximately 80% of the F-16’s capabilities while reducing acquisition and maintenance costs. Development is scheduled for completion by 2028. The program is designed to expand the FA-50 platform’s competitiveness in export markets where air forces require multirole combat aircraft but operate within more limited procurement budgets or infrastructure constraints.
Multiple variants of the FA-50 exist for international customers, including the FA-50PH (Philippines), FA-50IQ (Iraq), FA-50M (Malaysia), FA-50GF and FA-50PL (Poland), and FA-50TH (Thailand). (Picture source: Philippine Air Force)
The FA-50 is derived from the T-50 Golden Eagle family, which includes the T-50 trainer, TA-50 lead-in fighter trainer, and T-50B aerobatic version. The program began in the late 1990s as a joint venture between KAI and Lockheed Martin. The aircraft was intended to replace aging jet trainers in South Korean service and to prepare pilots for the KF-16 and F-15K. The T-50 had its first flight in August 2002 and entered service in 2005. The FA-50 evolved from the TA-50 and incorporates additional internal fuel, a longer radome, expanded avionics, and increased armament options. South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense funded 70% of the initial development, with KAI and Lockheed Martin contributing 17% and 13%, respectively.
The FA-50 uses a single General Electric F404-102 turbofan engine with Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), manufactured under license by Samsung Techwin. The airframe is rated for 8,000 hours of service life and features seven internal fuel tanks with a total capacity of 2,655 liters, plus the option to carry an additional 1,710 liters using three external tanks. The aircraft is capable of speeds up to Mach 1.5 and operates at altitudes up to 14,630 meters. The tandem-seat cockpit uses a high-mounted acrylic canopy designed by Hankuk Fiber with tested ballistic resistance. The design incorporates a fly-by-wire control system developed with Lockheed Martin and a real-time avionics operating system developed by MDS Technology (NEOS), which is certified to both DO-178B and IEEE POSIX standards.
Avionics components are produced by South Korean firms including Samsung Thales, LIG Nex1, DoDAAM Systems, and Intellics. These firms provide the radar system, electronic warfare suite, cockpit displays, mission computers, testing and diagnostic equipment, and data analysis tools. The FA-50 Block 10 variant uses a modified Elta EL/M-2032 radar, while the FA-50 Block 20 is scheduled to incorporate Raytheon’s PhantomStrike AESA radar or optionally LIG Nex1’s ESR-500A. These upgrades include digital beamforming, improved air-ground targeting, and compatibility with helmet-mounted displays and aerial refueling. Mechanical parts for the flight control system are supplied by Hanwha, and the landing gear is produced by WIA.
The FA-50 light attack aircraft is able to reach speeds up to Mach 1.5 and operates at altitudes up to 14,630 meters. (Picture source: KAI)
The FA-50 carries a three-barrel 20mm M197 cannon and supports a variety of precision-guided and unguided munitions. Compatible systems include the AIM-9L/M/X Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, AGM-65 Maverick, JDAM, JDAM-ER, GBU-12, Cheonryong, CBU-97/105, and various rocket and dispenser pods. It can also operate Rafael’s Sky Shield and LIG Nex1’s ALQ-200K ECM pods, along with Sniper or LITENING targeting pods and Condor 2 reconnaissance pods. Planned munitions integration for Block 20 includes Meteor, ASRAAM, IRIS-T, Brimstone, KEPD 350K-2, SPEAR 3, Python-5, and Derby. A telescopic aerial refueling probe developed by Cobham Mission Systems is also part of the Block 20 upgrade package, along with 300-gallon conformal tanks.
Multiple variants of the FA-50 exist for international customers. These include FA-50PH (Philippines), FA-50IQ (Iraq), FA-50M (Malaysia), FA-50GF and FA-50PL (Poland), and FA-50TH (Thailand). Block 10 includes software updates for targeting pod integration, while Block 20 expands radar, fuel, weapons, and mission capabilities. KAI also proposed the F-50 single-seat version and the TF-50 series, which includes the TF-50A (U.S. Air Force Advanced Tactical Trainer candidate) and TF-50N (U.S. Navy Tactical Surrogate and Undergraduate Jet Training System candidate). The FA-50 Block 20 configuration varies by customer, and its implementation is influenced by operational, political, and logistical factors.
In terms of procurement, the Republic of Korea Air Force operates 60 FA-50s, in addition to other T-50 series aircraft. The Philippine Air Force received 12 FA-50PH aircraft by 2017 and plans to acquire 12 more. Iraq received 24 FA-50IQ aircraft by 2018. Indonesia operates 16 T-50i aircraft, with an additional six units ordered in 2021. Thailand procured 14 T-50TH aircraft. Poland ordered 48 FA-50s in 2022—12 FA-50GF Block 10 and 36 FA-50PL Block 20—with deliveries beginning in 2023. Malaysia signed a $920 million contract in 2023 for 18 FA-50M Block 20 aircraft, with options for 18 additional units. Potential or interested customers include Egypt, Vietnam, Colombia, Peru, Brunei, Senegal, and others. Some countries, such as Argentina and Taiwan, explored FA-50 acquisition but did not proceed due to export restrictions or competing domestic programs.
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As reported by kf21_military on May 5, 2025, the development of a single-seat variant of the South Korean FA-50 light attack aircraft advanced with the issuance of a formal tender by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), which involves the construction of a cockpit for a controllability evaluation simulator specifically for the single-seat version of the FA-50. This step marks the beginning of technical work under the F-50 program, which was reactivated in 2024 after being previously suspended in favor of prioritizing the KF-21 Boramae fighter program. The simulator is intended to assess control characteristics of the single-seat model. KAI has scheduled the project to run for 22 months, from May 2025 through February 2027.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
South Korea estimates that the single-seat FA-50 variant, referred to in earlier planning as the F-50, will retain approximately 80% of the F-16’s capabilities while reducing acquisition and maintenance costs. (Picture source: KAI)
The translated bid notice defines the project as the “FA-50 single-seat controllability evaluation simulator cockpit production.” The scope of the work includes the design, fabrication, installation, and integration support of the simulator cockpit. Only entities meeting several financial and legal conditions are eligible to participate. These include companies that are not in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, are free from government sanctions, and have not been subject to national or local tax delinquency orders. Additional requirements include no capital impairment, a debt ratio of less than 500% as of the latest financial statements, and, for external audit firms, no audit opinions classified as “refusal of opinion” or “inappropriate.”
Submission of a letter of intent to participate was required by 17:00 KST on March 17, 2025. Required documents included the letter of intent, a confidentiality agreement using the form provided, recent financial and income statements, credit inquiry results, company profile, and national or local tax payment certificates. The submission process was limited to email, directed to KAI’s designated contact, Manager Woohyuk Choi. If fewer than two valid bids are received, KAI may re-advertise the tender. If only a single bidder applies after re-advertisement, KAI may proceed with a negotiated contract. Only organizations that submit letters of intent will be invited to a bid explanation session and permitted to submit a full proposal. All submitted documents will remain with KAI and will not be returned.
The tender supports the renewed development of the single-seat FA-50 variant, referred to in earlier planning as the F-50. The project resumed in 2024 with financial backing from the South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE). The aircraft will eliminate the second cockpit and install a 300-gallon auxiliary fuel system. This modification is expected to increase its operational radius by approximately 20% to 30%, compared to the FA-50’s current 443 kilometers (239 nautical miles). At the time, KAI estimated that the F-50 will retain approximately 80% of the F-16’s capabilities while reducing acquisition and maintenance costs. Development is scheduled for completion by 2028. The program is designed to expand the FA-50 platform’s competitiveness in export markets where air forces require multirole combat aircraft but operate within more limited procurement budgets or infrastructure constraints.
Multiple variants of the FA-50 exist for international customers, including the FA-50PH (Philippines), FA-50IQ (Iraq), FA-50M (Malaysia), FA-50GF and FA-50PL (Poland), and FA-50TH (Thailand). (Picture source: Philippine Air Force)
The FA-50 is derived from the T-50 Golden Eagle family, which includes the T-50 trainer, TA-50 lead-in fighter trainer, and T-50B aerobatic version. The program began in the late 1990s as a joint venture between KAI and Lockheed Martin. The aircraft was intended to replace aging jet trainers in South Korean service and to prepare pilots for the KF-16 and F-15K. The T-50 had its first flight in August 2002 and entered service in 2005. The FA-50 evolved from the TA-50 and incorporates additional internal fuel, a longer radome, expanded avionics, and increased armament options. South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense funded 70% of the initial development, with KAI and Lockheed Martin contributing 17% and 13%, respectively.
The FA-50 uses a single General Electric F404-102 turbofan engine with Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), manufactured under license by Samsung Techwin. The airframe is rated for 8,000 hours of service life and features seven internal fuel tanks with a total capacity of 2,655 liters, plus the option to carry an additional 1,710 liters using three external tanks. The aircraft is capable of speeds up to Mach 1.5 and operates at altitudes up to 14,630 meters. The tandem-seat cockpit uses a high-mounted acrylic canopy designed by Hankuk Fiber with tested ballistic resistance. The design incorporates a fly-by-wire control system developed with Lockheed Martin and a real-time avionics operating system developed by MDS Technology (NEOS), which is certified to both DO-178B and IEEE POSIX standards.
Avionics components are produced by South Korean firms including Samsung Thales, LIG Nex1, DoDAAM Systems, and Intellics. These firms provide the radar system, electronic warfare suite, cockpit displays, mission computers, testing and diagnostic equipment, and data analysis tools. The FA-50 Block 10 variant uses a modified Elta EL/M-2032 radar, while the FA-50 Block 20 is scheduled to incorporate Raytheon’s PhantomStrike AESA radar or optionally LIG Nex1’s ESR-500A. These upgrades include digital beamforming, improved air-ground targeting, and compatibility with helmet-mounted displays and aerial refueling. Mechanical parts for the flight control system are supplied by Hanwha, and the landing gear is produced by WIA.
The FA-50 light attack aircraft is able to reach speeds up to Mach 1.5 and operates at altitudes up to 14,630 meters. (Picture source: KAI)
The FA-50 carries a three-barrel 20mm M197 cannon and supports a variety of precision-guided and unguided munitions. Compatible systems include the AIM-9L/M/X Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, AGM-65 Maverick, JDAM, JDAM-ER, GBU-12, Cheonryong, CBU-97/105, and various rocket and dispenser pods. It can also operate Rafael’s Sky Shield and LIG Nex1’s ALQ-200K ECM pods, along with Sniper or LITENING targeting pods and Condor 2 reconnaissance pods. Planned munitions integration for Block 20 includes Meteor, ASRAAM, IRIS-T, Brimstone, KEPD 350K-2, SPEAR 3, Python-5, and Derby. A telescopic aerial refueling probe developed by Cobham Mission Systems is also part of the Block 20 upgrade package, along with 300-gallon conformal tanks.
Multiple variants of the FA-50 exist for international customers. These include FA-50PH (Philippines), FA-50IQ (Iraq), FA-50M (Malaysia), FA-50GF and FA-50PL (Poland), and FA-50TH (Thailand). Block 10 includes software updates for targeting pod integration, while Block 20 expands radar, fuel, weapons, and mission capabilities. KAI also proposed the F-50 single-seat version and the TF-50 series, which includes the TF-50A (U.S. Air Force Advanced Tactical Trainer candidate) and TF-50N (U.S. Navy Tactical Surrogate and Undergraduate Jet Training System candidate). The FA-50 Block 20 configuration varies by customer, and its implementation is influenced by operational, political, and logistical factors.
In terms of procurement, the Republic of Korea Air Force operates 60 FA-50s, in addition to other T-50 series aircraft. The Philippine Air Force received 12 FA-50PH aircraft by 2017 and plans to acquire 12 more. Iraq received 24 FA-50IQ aircraft by 2018. Indonesia operates 16 T-50i aircraft, with an additional six units ordered in 2021. Thailand procured 14 T-50TH aircraft. Poland ordered 48 FA-50s in 2022—12 FA-50GF Block 10 and 36 FA-50PL Block 20—with deliveries beginning in 2023. Malaysia signed a $920 million contract in 2023 for 18 FA-50M Block 20 aircraft, with options for 18 additional units. Potential or interested customers include Egypt, Vietnam, Colombia, Peru, Brunei, Senegal, and others. Some countries, such as Argentina and Taiwan, explored FA-50 acquisition but did not proceed due to export restrictions or competing domestic programs.
