Industry
First Photo of FA-50PL [Exclusive]
Photo. KAI
The editorial team at Defence24.pl received a photograph from the production line in Sacheon, located at the main factory of the FA-50 aircraft manufacturer, Korean Aerospace Industries. It depicts the first currently produced FA-50 aircraft in the ultimate PL version.
The jet has the “FA-50PL” designation visible on its tail and bears the number 5013, making it the first of the PL version aircraft. Previously delivered to Poland were aircraft of the GF (Gap Filler) version, which had tactical numbers ranging from 5001 to 5012. As the photo clearly shows, the airframe is already assembled and stands on its own landing gear.
The jet is being fitted with components. In the open sections, electrical wiring is visible. Behind the aircraft, a tail of another FA-50, without any designations, can be seen. It cannot be ruled out that it also belongs to the aircraft being built for Poland. Unlike the airframe in the foreground, the one in the background already has its tail assembly installed.
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According to the terms of the FA-50 procurement contract, signed in September 2022, the first FA-50PLs should arrive in Poland in 2025. According to KAI’s declarations, many of the 36 aircraft are currently “in various stages of production.”
FA-50PL
The Polish variant will be equipped with a Raytheon PhantomStrike AESA radar (with active electronically scanned array) and a Link 16 data link. The aircraft will be integrated with GBU-12 Paveway II guided bombs weighing 500 pounds (230 kg), additional fuel tanks with a capacity of 300 US gallons (1136 liters), the Sniper ATP targeting pod, and short-range AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles. The full capabilities of the latter will be made accessible through the use of a helmet-mounted display (HMD). Integration of air-to-air refueling equipment will also be relevant for the Polish jets. It is still uncertain whether the FA-50PL will ultimately be integrated with AIM-120 AMRAAM medium-range missiles.
