Seoul: South Korea on Wednesday unveiled its first home-built private aircraft as part of its efforts to develop commercial planes.
The four-seater, single-engine propeller plane made the country the world’s 28th nation to build and fly an indigenous non-military aircraft, according to the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs.
South Korea introduced its first indigenous military plane, the T-50, in 2005. The T-50 is a supersonic trainer and multi-role fighter. The new plane, named the Naraon, which made its debut at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in the southern city of Sacheon, is made of a light, carbon-based composite material and has devices controlling fuel injection.
KIA claims the Naraon is 10 per cent more fuel efficient than its rivals. With a top speed of 389 kmph and maximum flight distance of 1,850 kilometres, the aircraft can reach most major cities in Japan, China and some Southeast Asian countries without refuelling. With a tag price of about 600 million won (USD 568,000), the plane can be used for pilot training, leisure and various other purposes including personal use. (AFP)