KAI FA-50 Block 20
Type: Close Air Support Aircraft
Domain: air
Country of Origin: South Korea
Manufacturer: Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)
First Deployed: 2023
Overview
Poland signed a contract for 48 FA-50 Block 20 light combat aircraft from KAI (South Korea) in September 2022 in two batches: 12 FA-50GF (Gap Filler — immediate delivery 2023) and 36 FA-50PL (Poland-specific upgrades with AESA radar, Link 16, expanded weapons). The FA-50 is derived from the T-50 supersonic trainer and features an EL/M-2032 radar, 20mm M61 Vulcan cannon, and compatibility with AIM-9X Sidewinder and AGM-65 Maverick. The type provides Poland with supersonic jet capacity to accelerate pilot training and supplement the F-16 fleet in air policing during the F-35A transition.
Technical Specifications
| crew | 1 |
|---|---|
| radar | EL/M-2032 fire control radar |
| engine | GE F404-GE-102 turbofan, 7,700 kgf |
| armament | 20mm M61A1 Vulcan, 7 hardpoints: AIM-9 Sidewinder, Mk82 bombs, AGM-65 Maverick, JDAM |
| length_m | 13.1 |
| range_km | 1851 |
| weight_kg | 6470 |
| wingspan_m | 9.5 |
| max_speed_kmh | 1837 |
| service_ceiling_m | 14630 |
Operators
- Iraq
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Poland
- South Korea
- Thailand
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