KAI picks Triumph Group for KF-X airframe component

Korea Aerospace Industries has selected Triumph Group to provide Airframe Mounted Accessory Drives for its developing KF-X fighter project.

The KF-X program is a joint effort between the governments of South Korea and Indonesia to produce a new air supremacy jet. To support the development, Triumph will design and produce the AMADs, which will allow the aircraft to receive and distribute engine power to generators, pumps and other systems.

"We are pleased to support the KF-X fighter program, which will replace the aging Korean fleet of F-4s and F-5s, as well as equip the Indonesian air force," Triumph Integrated Systems vice president Tom Holzthum said in a press release. "This win will allow Triumph to showcase the extensive capability and experience of our Geared Solutions business."

Triumph received the contract as KAI continues to push forward with its production plans. Earlier in February, the company opened a joint program office in South Korea to facilitate further cooperation with Indonesia.

In January, the manufacturer picked U.S.-based contractor Textars to develop canopy and windshield transparencies for the aircraft.

The KF-X is scheduled to take its first flight in mid-2020, and begin low-rate initial production in 2024.