Israel’s Elbit Systems says it has been awarded a $43 million contract from Hanwha Systems to equip the Republic of Korea Air Force’s Next Generation fighter jets with embedded Terrain Following-Terrain Avoidance (TF/TA) systems.
The contract will be performed over a six-year period.
TF/TA systems enable fighter jets to fly and maneuver safely at low-altitudes, in zero visibility and harsh weather conditions (instrument meteorological conditions), thereby enhancing their capability to operate undetected in hostile territory.
Interfacing with the autopilot system, the TF/TA system to be supplied fuses data from a range of onboard sensors and a digital terrain elevation data base, together with flight performance characteristics, enabling the aircraft to maintain optimal altitude throughout the mission.
Yoram Shmuely, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Elbit Systems Aerospace Division, said: “We are proud to be in a position to increase the capabilities of Air Forces through joint development with Hanwha Systems Co. Ltd.”
The South Korean KF-X will be a fifth-generation fighter jet which has passed the critical design review stage. The first prototype is set for a 2021 appearance.
With capabilities comparable to the advanced versions of the F-16, the KF-X is envisioned to replace McDonnell Douglas F-4s and Northrop F-5s currently flown by the South Korean Air Force.
