The KF-21 Boramae has a number of advanced features that will surprise the
public. The reason is, the KF-21 Boramae is claimed to be a 4++ generation
fighter aircraft.
However, the fighter also adopted a number of features that are precisely
present in the 5th or 6th generation fighter jets.
As reported by Aviaci Online, the KF-21 Boramae has adopted the Loyal
Wingman concept.
Although it has only been exhibited in an illustrated video, South Korea is
known to be developing the concept.
For your information, the Loyal Wingman concept is where AI takes over
analysis and warfare in the electromagnetic spectrum and allows pilots to
control aerial combat vehicles.
In addition, laser weapons on the KF-21 Boramae are also being considered.
"In order to avoid a power gap before the introduction of the
sixth-generation fighter, a project to gradually increase (combat) strength
is needed, such as installing laser weapons on the KF-21 fighter," said Jeon
Jeon-bae, Lieutenant Colonel of Defense Intelligence at the Ministry of
Defense Headquarters. Country.
The advantages of laser weaponry are obvious.
Laser armament is carried out to strike at the speed of light (over 300,000
km / s).
South Korea has already tested a 20kW laser beam demonstrator capable of
passing through metal plates as far as 1 km.
And this is important because one of the main uses considered for laser
defense is to shoot down enemy drones, rockets and missiles.
Even so, the KF-21 Boramae will not turn into a 6th generation fighter.
As Aviaci Online wrote in its article, the KF-21 should experience a
progressive increase in computing capacity, acquiring and processing
information.
This implies that Korean fighter aircraft will experience a significant
increase in network combat capacity and situational awareness for pilots.
The future 6th generation fighter aircraft featured a more refined and even
aggressive aerodynamic design.
And to complement and perfect the design, a new generation of engines is
being developed.
Meanwhile, the KF-21 Boramae does not have a similar design, because it is
considered to prioritize stealth capabilities, like the F-35.
And for now it doesn't have a 6th generation engine, despite installing the
excellent GE F-414.
So there is an unavoidable limit on how much Korean fighters can evolve.
However, if all of the above-mentioned elements are combined, it will remain
a highly competitive weapon system for decades to come.
