By Jung Sung-ki
Staff Reporter
The KT-1T basic trainer exported to Turkey has received the domestic airworthiness certification, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said Tuesday.
The KT-1T, produced by the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), is the first Korean aircraft to receive the domestic airworthiness certificate. The certification system took effect in August.
Under the system, a DAPA-affiliated committee of airplane experts and technicians monitor, inspect and evaluate procedures related to domestic military aircraft design, production and maintenance to check whether the planes are safe and their specifications meet international standards.
Previously, Korea had to pay foreign airworthiness agencies to evaluate its military aircraft and wait for certificates.
Less than 10 nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada and other NATO member states, have their own airworthiness certification system in place.
The KT-1T variant has a few upgrades from the original KT-1 aircraft. The upgrades include a pressurization system, a glass cockpit, an onboard oxygen-generating system and a hands-on throttle-and-stick, according to KAI officials.
KAI signed a $400-million contract with Turkey in 2007 to export 40 KT-1T modified aircraft, with an option to sell 15 more units after the delivery of the initial order.