The KAI KT-1 Woongbi is a South Korean single-engine turboprop used as a basic trainer and a light attack aircraft. It was jointly built by Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) and the Agency for Defense Development (ADD). The KT-1 Woongbi is the first entirely indigenous Korean aircraft ever built.

Manufacturer:
Korea Aerospace Industries
Country:
Korea, South
Manufactured:
1999 to: Present
ICAO:
KT1
Price:
US$7 million (2019)
Avionics:
CMC Electronics
Engine:
1x Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-62
Turboprop
Power:
950 horsepower
Max Cruise Speed:
310 knots
574 Km/h
Approach Speed (Vref):
71 knots
Travel range:
720 Nautical Miles
1,333 Kilometers
Fuel Economy:
Service Ceiling:
37,990 feet
Rate of Climb:
3500 feet / minute
17.78metre / second
Take Off Distance:
Landing Distance:
Max Take Off Weight:
3,315 Kg
7,308 lbs
Max Landing Weight:
2,913 Kg
6,422 lbs
Max Payload:
1,405 Kg
3,097 lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity:
146 gallon
553 litre
Baggage Volume:
Seats - Economy / General:
2 seats
Seats - Business Class:
Seats - First Class:
Cabin Height:
Cabin Width:
Cabin Length:
Exterior Length:
10.3 metre - 33.79 feet
Tail height:
3.7 metre - 12.14 feet
Fuselage Diameter:
1.05 metre - 3.44 feet
Wing Span / Rotor Diameter:
10.6 metre - 34.78 feet
Wing Tips:
No Winglets

The KT-1 originated from the KTX program that was launched in 1988 which desired to build an indigenously designed trainer aircraft. In June 1991, the first prototype was completed; there were nine prototypes constructed. In November 1991, the KT-1 conducted its maiden flight. By 1995, the aircraft was officially designated as the Woongbi. In 1998, the last test flight was completed. An initial production aircraft was signed for 85 aircraft on the succeeding year, with provisions for another 20, between Korean Aerospace Industries and Republic of Korea Air Force.

In 2002, the company unveiled that they were working on the production of an upgraded and armed variant of the KT-1 basic trainer. The KO-1 variant was planned to be utilized in the forward air control and counter-insurgency functions. On March 8, 2006, the manufacturing company planned to export more than one hundred and fifty upgraded versions of the KT-1 to several countries across Central America and Southeast Asia.

The KT-1 Woongbi can be outfitted with either an analog or a glass cockpit configuration. Some versions showcase additional avionics and systems such as the Night Vision Goggles (NVG)- compatible cockpit, head-up display, multi-function displays, GPS/inertial navigation system, mission computer, onboard oxygen generation system, vapor-cycle environmental control system and hands-on-throttle-and-stick (HOTAS)- compatible controls. The avionics system of the aircraft was produced by different companies such as Elbit, Flight Vision, and Thales.

The KT-1 Woongbi can be armed with different guns, bombs, rockets, and missiles when being used for light attack missions. The aircraft can also include external fuel tanks, a centrally-mounted forward-looking infrared (FLIRA) sensor, and a laser range finder.

The aircraft is powered by a Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-62 turboprop engine which produces a maximum thrust of 950 horsepower. It can fly up to 37,990 feet and can climb at a rate of 3,500 feet per minute. It has a travel range of 720 nautical miles.

Want More of This?
We'll send you our latest and best content straight to your inbox
Featured Image

All Korea Aerospace Industries Aircraft

More Like This
Nakajima Ki-84
Military Propellor Planes
Nakajima Ki-84
Bell P-39 Airacobra
Military Propellor Planes
Bell P-39 Airacobra
Bell P-63 Kingcobra
Military Propellor Planes
Bell P-63 Kingcobra
Bristol Brigand
Military Propellor Planes
Bristol Brigand
Bristol Beaufighter
Military Propellor Planes
Bristol Beaufighter
Piaggio Aero P-166 DP1
Military Propellor Planes
Piaggio Aero P-166 DP1