Made in Korea
Posted: Mon 13 Sep, 2010 21:54
KAI KC-100
www.koreaaero.com
The East Asian manufacturing company Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) turned more than a few heads with the model of a GA aircraft it intends to develop and market by 2014: the KC-100. Aimed directly at the Cirrus SR22 and Cessna Corvalis markets, the aircraft bears more than a passing resemblance to the former, right down to its two distinctive gull-wing doors.
The composite and carbon-fiber design will hope to compete with a slightly wider cabin and a suite of impressive features, including the Avidyne Entegra R9 avionics system, standard TKS ice protection and oxygen. Even air conditioning will be available.
Power will come from a FADEC-controlled Teledyne Continental 550-K turbocharged mill, which KAI claims will bestow a 190-knot cruise speed with a range of 1,200 nm. A useful load of 1,100 pounds or more is projected.
Whether the KC-100 ever sees the light of day in America remains contemplative. The state-owned company will certify the design for the South Korean market first, and the design may go through several modifications before a working prototype is flown.
This company knows aircraft though: It has built F-16s, T-50 advanced jet trainers and other aircraft under license for years.