Korean Air KF-5F (Jegong-Ho)

Twin-Seat Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT)

South Korea | 1982

"The Korean Air KF-5F Jegong-Ho is a locally-produced South Korean training-centric variant of the American Northrop F-5 Tiger II."

Image from the Republic of Korea Ministry of Defense; Public Release.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 09/09/2022 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

The Korean Air KF-5F "Jegong-Ho" lightweight Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) is nothing more than the American Cold War-era Northrop F-5F "Tiger II" fighter / supersonic trainer aircraft. The designation signifies a locally-produced F-5F for the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) and the type was first introduced during September of 1982. Twenty airframes were acquired in this fashion. Similarly, the KF-5E are F-5E models also built in South Korea for its air service. Introduction was also had in September of 1982 and 48 airframes were procured by the branch.

The KF-5F and KF-5E models joined F-5A/B variants purchased in 1965 by the RoKAF. F-5E models then followed in August of 1974. This experience led to local production of the type from 1982 to 1986.

For intents and purposes, the South Korean fighters are faithful to the original American design. They seat two in tandem under independent canopies and each position has ejection seats. The cockpits are set aft of a radar-housing nose assembly. The monoplane wings are held low against the sides of the fuselage and each wingtip is usually reserved for short-ranged air-to-air missiles (if armed). The tail unit comprises a single vertical fin with low-set, all-moving horizontal planes to round out the control scheme. Side fuselage intakes aspirate the turbojet engine pairing within. A retractable tricycle style undercarriage allows for the needed ground-running.

As fighters "first", Tiger IIs have a limited ground attack capability. A jettisonable fuel tank is typically fitted at centerline. As Advanced Jet Trainer platforms, they excel in providing pilots their first taste of supersonic flight.

The KF-5 has been succeeded, on paper, by the locally-designed, developed, and produced FA-50 light strike platform from 2001 onward. Today (2022), some 156 F-5E Tiger II fighters are in active inventory while 29 F-5F models are used as Advanced Jet Trainers (AJTs).

Content ©MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.

Power & Performance
Those special qualities that separate one aircraft design from another. Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Korean Air KF-5F Twin-Seat Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT).

2 x General Electric J85-GE-21 afterburning turbojet engines developing 3,500lb of thrust each.
Propulsion

1,084 mph
1,745 kph | 942 kts
Max Speed

51,837 ft
15,800 m | 10 miles
Service Ceiling

2,312 miles
3,720 km | 2,009 nm
Operational Range

34,500 ft/min
10,516 m/min
Rate-of-Climb

Structure
The nose-to-tail, wingtip-to-wingtip physical qualities of the Korean Air KF-5F Twin-Seat Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT).

2
(MANNED)
Crew

48.2 ft
14.69 m
O/A Length

26.7 ft
(8.15 m)
O/A Width

13.5 ft
(4.10 m)
O/A Height

9,590 lb
(4,350 kg)
Empty Weight

24,692 lb
(11,200 kg)
MTOW

Armament
Available supported armament and special-mission equipment featured in the design of the Korean Air KF-5F (Jegong-Ho) Twin-Seat Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) provided across 5 hardpoints.

Typically none unless in armaments training.

X

Hardpoints Key:

Centerline

Wingroot(L)

Wingroot(R)

Wing

Wingtip

Internal

Not Used

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Korean Air KF-5F (Jegong-Ho) family line.

KF-5F ("Jegong-Ho") - Base Series Designation; 20 airframes completed.

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Korean Air KF-5F (Jegong-Ho). Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national aircraft listing.

Total Production: 20 Units
Contractor(s): Korean Air - South Korea

[ South Korea ]

1 / 1

Image of the Korean Air KF-5F (Jegong-Ho)

Image from the Republic of Korea Ministry of Defense; Public Release.

Going Further...
The Korean Air KF-5F (Jegong-Ho) Twin-Seat Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) appears in the following collections:

HOME

AVIATION INDEX

AIRCRAFT BY COUNTRY

AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURERS

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Cookies

2024 Military Pay Scale Military Ranks of the World U.S. Department of Defense Dictionary Conversion Calculators Military Alphabet Code Military Map Symbols Breakdown U.S. 5-Star Generals List WWII Weapons by Country World War Next

The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. All written content, illustrations, and photography are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and not for reuse/reproduction in any form. Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value only and should not to be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation. We do not sell any of the items showcased on this site. Please direct all other inquiries to militaryfactory AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

Part of a network of sites that includes GlobalFirepower, a data-driven property used in ranking the top military powers of the world, WDMMA.org (World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft), WDMMW.org (World Directory of Modern Military Warships), SR71blackbird.org, detailing the history of the world's most iconic spyplane, and MilitaryRibbons.info, cataloguing military medals and ribbons. Special Interest: RailRoad Junction, the locomotive encyclopedia.

©2024 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2003-2024 (21yrs)