SEOUL - The Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) KF-21 fighter has successfully concluded its flight testing campaign two months ahead of schedule, completing 1,600 accident-free sorties across 13,000 test conditions.

Initiated in July 2022 with six prototypes, the program utilized air-to-air refueling and additional testing sites to accelerate evaluations of key systems, including the AESA radar and high angle-of-attack capabilities. Development is slated to finish by mid-2026, with deliveries to the Republic of Korea Air Force commencing later this year.

Concurrently, work is advancing on the Block 2 configuration, which prioritizes strike capabilities. KAI secured a $465 million contract in December 2025 to develop these features, pushing air-to-ground weapons testing forward to early 2027. The aircraft features 10 hardpoints and a payload capacity of 7,700 kg (16,975 lb).

While technical progress has been smooth, the KF-21 has yet to secure an international buyer, though Indonesia, the Philippines, Poland, and the UAE are considered potential customers.

Source: Flightglobal
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/kf-21-completes-four-year-flight-test-campaign/165923.article

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive requiring urgent modifications to Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines following multiple reports of under-cowl fires.

The mandate targets a vulnerability where fan-blade fractures can compromise thermal management system mounts and crack fuel tubes. The directive applies to 586 engines installed on U.S.-registered Airbus A320neo aircraft, compelling operators to complete initial maintenance tasks within 30 days of the rule’s February 17 effective date.

To mitigate the risk of fuel leaks, airlines must immediately remove specific fuel hose "loop cushion clamps" to increase tube flexibility, a measure intended to prevent cracking during blade failures. Operators are further required to install redesigned clevis mounts during their next scheduled engine shop visits. While the removal of the clamp serves as an interim fix to ensure fuel assembly integrity, the permanent replacement of the mount hardware is required to fully resolve the issue and maintain airworthiness.

Pratt & Whitney noted that the regulatory order aligns with service bulletins the manufacturer had previously released to operators, stating that the fleet has already nearly completed these recommended safety updates. The FAA estimates that the newly mandated modifications will require approximately 125 work-hours per engine.

This latest directive adds to the maintenance burden for airlines already navigating a separate, unrelated recall regarding PW1000G metallic components that has grounded hundreds of jets globally.

Source: Flightglobal
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/engines/faa-orders-pw1100g-modifications-following-engine-fires/165953.article

LONDON - Spain’s ITP Aero is ramping up production of combustors for Pratt & Whitney’s PW1500G and PW1900G engines at its Hucknall facility in the UK. Following the shipment of the first unit in late December, the company aims to produce approximately 100 units this year. This represents a significant milestone for the Hucknall site - acquired from Rolls-Royce in 2021 - as it previously supplied combustors exclusively to its former owner.

The combustors will support engines powering the Airbus A220 and Embraer E-Jet E2 families. According to Executive Vice-President Mikel Lantero, this move allows ITP Aero to expand its capabilities in the next-generation narrowbody market beyond its existing role as a risk and revenue-sharing partner. To achieve this, the company undertook substantial development at the site to meet Pratt & Whitney's quality standards.

Source: Flightglobal
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/aerospace/itp-aero-hails-first-gtf-combustor-delivery-amid-diversification-push/165934.article