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KAI Presents for the Belgian S1000D User Forum for the First Time, Promotes State-of-the-Art KF-21 Interactive Electronic Technical Manual

- KF-21 Interactive Electronic Technical Manual, Under Development for Korea’s Fighter Jet, Makes International Debut- KF-21 Interactive Electronic Technical Manual Showcases at Standalone Booth, Highlights Excellence in IPS Technology - Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd (KAI) of South Korea participated for the first time in the S1000D/IPS User Forum held in Brussels, Belgium from September 23 to 26. The forum is an annual international Aerospace and Defense event held in Europe and the United States since 2003 that focuses on weapon system technical manuals, logistics, and Integrated Product Support (IPS) standards. At the forum, KAI showcased the Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM) and the IPS program for the KF-21 fighter jet, which is currently in the last stages of development. - KAI, in collaboration with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), had an exhibition booth and presentation sessions that showcased South Korea's excellence in IPS technology and the development direction of the KF-21 IETM. This highlighted their advancements and future plans for the global market. - This year’s forum was attended by over 800 IPS experts and practitioners from government agencies and companies across 12 countries, including the United States, Canada, and Italy, over the course of four days. Since 2017, KAI has accumulated and developed some of its expertise and knowledge in related technologies through their past attendance at three of these international S1000D/IPS forums. - At the Brussels forum, KAI delivered a presentation titled "Lessons learned implementing S1000D on the Korean Fighter (KF-21) IETM," that introduced the KF-21 development program, demonstrated their advanced IETM technology, and outlined the future direction of next-generation IETM development. This presentation provided a detailed roadmap for the future of the IPS field and highlighted results from their leading research. - Also at the event, KAI operated an exhibition booth called “KF-21 IETM Experience using virtual technology” featuring a VR/MR experience zone that integrated the KF-21 IETM used by the Republic of Korea Air Force with IPS virtual technologies. This interactive display attracted significant attention from the attendees. - The KF-21 IETM is an interactive system that provides guidelines for aircraft operation and maintenance. It features South Korea's first 3D illustrations in the aerospace logistics sector and is the first in the country to apply the S1000D international standard required for exports. The system also offers the advantage of external integration technology, allowing users to easily verify materials and request parts during maintenance. - This next-generation IETM is integrated with virtual technology developed through KAI's advanced research and it features the ability to check the status of internal aircraft components using 3D data. It also enables groundbreaking maintenance services through remote customer support in a virtual environment that is accessible from anywhere in the world. - Mr. Yujun Cho, the IETM/TO Part Leader for KAI stated, "Through the KF-21 program, KAI has established itself as one of the global leaders in the IETM field by developing a Class V IETM system. Building on this achievement, we plan to develop next-generation platforms and implement new technologies. This technological capability will have a significant impact on both domestic and international IPS markets." - KAI is planning to conduct more international joint research to establish stronger partnerships with countries that have advanced Air Force weapon systems and this will help aircraft like the FA-50, the Surion LAH, and others sustain a competitive edge in the market. - The KF-21 project will meet customers’ needs and stay competitive in the market by simultaneously developing programs such as designing, manufacturing, delivery, maintenance, simulator, etc. In their KF-21 IETM, KAI uses 3D real-time rendering technology in conjunction with Unreal Engine, a 3D computer graphics engine. This allows users to compare different variants of the KF-21 and to check relevant data and changes in component configuration and options. KAI also seeks to further improve the software they use for managing data modules, media files, and publication modules, as well as for checking data module validity. They plan to achieve this by building partnerships with organizations in and outside of South Korea. KAI is also looking to sign MOUs with organizations that have advanced Air Force weapon systems in order to build stronger global relationships. In addition, KAI developed an Excel-based S1000D publishing tool and provided this tool to its contractors. KAI also suggested this “XML preparation tool” be the official manual development tool that contractors in and outside South Korea can use. This will significantly reduce the time frame for developing technical manuals. They announced that they are going to utilize AMAS, an Advanced Maintenance Assistance System, to provide customer support based on virtual reality and that they are going to build, a Joint Digital Maintenance Site or JDMS, with the slogan: “We provide support that is not limited by time or location to all customers around the world”. It is said they will make this next-generation digital support system by using AI natural language processing. KAI has shown that 3D IETM modeling is possible with high-quality 3D real-time rendering technology. They developed their 3D publishing platform to make high-quality 3D VR/MR-based remote customer support possible.
KAI Roll-out FA-50GF #1 to export to Poland

The KAI (Korea Aerospace Industries) announced that the company had the Roll-out ceremony of FA-50 #1 (exported to Poland) at its headquarters in Sacheon, Gyeongsangnam-do on June 7, 2023. This is the shortest achievement to release a combat aircraft in 8 months since the contract signing in September 2022 thanks to the excellence in manufacturing of KAI and the sweeping desicion with great support by the Ministry of National Defense, The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) of the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea Air Force. About 100 distinguished participants included CEO KANG Goo-young of KAI; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Mariusz Błaszcza, National Defense of Poland; Minister LEE Jong-sup of National Defense of the Republic of Korea; General JUNG Sang-hwa, Chief of Staff of the ROK Air Force; Directorate Brig. General Ireneusz Nowak, Chief of the Air Force of Poland; Minister EOM Dong-hwan of DAPA, the Republic of Korea; and Ambassador Piotr Ostaszewski of Poland to the Republic of Korea. The Roll-out ceremony is meaningful as this is the first chance to disclose the actual aircraft that remained on the drawing to the general public. The theme of this ceremony is ‘Firm Commitment, Secure Future’, which holds a symbolic meaning to illustrate the commitment to protect the sovereign airspace of Poland and the Republic of Korea, and the amicable relationship between the two nations. FA-50 #1 used the name FA-50GF (Gap Filler) as it will function to fill Poland’s strategic gaps by swiftly replacing the aging airfighters in Poland and having new ones on track for military missions in a timely manner. After the flight test by the end of July, FA-50GF will be provided starting in August. The first 12 FA-50GFs are scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2023. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Mariusz Błaszcza, National Defense of Poland said, “Thanks to the speedy release of FA-50GF, Poland is now able to equip itself with more advanced military strategies and realize the military modernization. I look forward to seeing FA-50GF fly in the airspace of Poland.” Minister LEE Jong-sup of National Defense of the Republic of Korea congratulated on the releasing of FA-50 and said, “This will be an opportunity to enhance the cooperation in national defense and defense market both in Poland and the Republic of Korea.” CEO KANG Goo-young of KAI said, “I appreciate the ROK Air Force and many others from both Poland and South Korea, who never spare their effort to support the development and the manufacturing of the aircraft until we see the first release of FA-50GF.” He also added, “We will exert ourselves to create aircrafts that Korean and Polish citizens can rely on through its thorough testing and assessment.” According to the contract, KAI is scheduled to consecutively provide 36 FA-50PLs (Poland) out of the maximum contract number of 48 between the 2nd half of 2025 and 2028, which is the upgraded version of FA-50 with the highest level of specifications by reflecting the needs and the requests from the Polish Air Force. FA-50PL is upgraded with overall functions by extending its range through the aerial refueling function and enhancing the active electronically scanned array (AESA), and air-to-surface and air-to-air weapons, which is expected to contribute to develop the Air Force of Poland. FA-50PL is a combat aircraft, which can carry out various missions including special tactics and fighter duties. With its outstanding compatibility with F-16, FA-50PL is optimized for fighter training for the 5th generation jets such as F-35, which is expected to play its role as a core type of aircraft for the Air Force of Poland.
KAI started the final assembly of the KF-X Prototype #1
KAI supply two additional KUH-1P to national police agency