• 22 Dec 2021 04:58 AM
• 0

New Electric Basic Trainer Concept

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) unveiled a subscale model of a conceptual two-seat electric basic trainer at the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2021 held on Oct. 19–23. Known as the Sorigae (“Black Kite”), the electric aircraft will feature a 36.75-ft (11.2-m) long fuselage with four four-bladed electric propellers. KAI also displayed a single-engine turboprop variant of the Black Kite at the expo. Although KAI’s plans to develop the aircraft remain unclear, the company is likely preparing to compete for the eventual replacement of the Republic of Korea Air Force’s KT-1 trainer, which entered service in 2000 and are expected to retire in the mid-2030s.