Korea Aerospace Industries Kt-1 Woongbi

Single Turboprop

The KT-1 Woongbi is South Korea's first indigenously designed and manufactured military trainer aircraft, developed by Korea Aerospace Industries in the 1990s to replace aging Cessna T-37 and T-41 trainers in the Republic of Korea Air Force. The tandem-seat turboprop entered service in 2000 and represents a significant milestone in South Korean aerospace self-sufficiency, combining modern avionics with forgiving handling characteristics ideal for ab-initio military pilot training. Powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-62 turboprop producing 950 shaft horsepower, the Woongbi can operate from unprepared strips and features a pressurized cockpit, ejection seats, and underwing hardpoints for light weapons training. The type has proven successful in the export market, with Indonesia operating the KT-1B variant and Turkey license-producing it as the Hürkuş under technology transfer. The aircraft's robust construction and relatively low operating costs have made it attractive to air forces seeking affordable pilot training solutions. With a maximum speed of 280 knots and a service ceiling around 30,000 feet, the KT-1 provides students with jet-like performance characteristics while maintaining turboprop economy and safety margins. SkyMeter has tracked 4 flights across 3 airframes and 1 operators, with distinct routes observed.