◀ anchor ▶
From design to production, the first Korean-style fighter, the KF-21, made with our own hands, emits flames at its maximum output while making a tremendous roar.
This is the first time that the KF-21 with the engine ignited has been shown to the outside.
Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon exclusively covered the site where the last engine operation test was in full swing ahead of the first flight next month.
◀ Report ▶
A fighter with a sleek shape inside the hangar.
The first prototype of the first Korean-style fighter KF-21 is waiting for an engine operation test, ‘engine run’.
This is the final stage of the ground test, which ignites the engine to check whether propulsion is properly generated and that the fighter function is functioning properly with the engine’s own power.
[김찬조/KF-21 시험계획팀장]
“After the prototype is shipped out in April of last year, we finish checking the components of each system, and finally connect with the final engine to see if all systems work well…”
The hangar is also equipped with special safeguards against engine flames.
[이동건/KF-21 지상시험팀장]
“It’s the kind of device that allows the flames to escape all the way back.”
Prior to the test, researchers tear open the aircraft and visually check whether there are any problems with fuel and hydraulics.
“One, two, three!”
Because of its tremendous propulsion, it is of the utmost importance to hold the fighter firmly in place.
[김인태/KF-21 정비사]
“I’m holding this (hook) because the engine power pushes the aircraft (forward).”
An operator in the cockpit communicates with the control room and checks whether various warning lights are operating normally.
[강성진/KF-21 최종조립팀 조장]
“APU (auxiliary power unit) fire, left light fire, light coming on…”
The engine has finally started running.
First, as the auxiliary power unit is ignited, sparks rise near the wing, and then the two engines begin to spin with a roaring sound.
After all 70 functional tests that lasted 40 minutes, such as wing operation and brake operation, are all over, the huge hangar door suddenly begins to move.
Before the final maximum power test of the 3rd phase of the fighter engine test, the door is closed for safety.
I’m standing right next to Unit 1 with the engine ignited.
You can feel the powerful vibration from the engine along with the hot heat.
Even with earplugs on, the loud noise is deafening.
After a while, the tip of the engine nozzle on the left seems to shrink, and a streak of pink flames erupts violently.
This is the so-called “Max Afterburner” flame, which injects additional fuel into the exhaust gas to produce maximum output for the fighter.
[김찬조/KF-21 시험계획팀장]
“I was nervous, but when the colors of the fireworks were white and blue, I was moved. Oh, I thought it would end well.”
After successfully completing the maximum power test, the engine verification was finally completed.
It has been 11 years since development began, and the last gate for the first flight has been crossed.
This is Dong-Hoon Jeong from MBC News.
Video coverage: Kim Hae-dong / Video editing: Kim Jin-woo
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