ACAB Appointed by LIG Nex1 to Develop KFXFighter Radome Prototype

The Volvo Aero owned company, Applied Composites AB – ACAB
– has been appointed by LIG Nex1, a LIG Group company in
South Korea, for the development of a prototype stealth radome
for the KFX aircraft programme.
ACAB is recognized as one of the leading European suppliers of
advanced composite components for military applications.
Among other things, ACAB is specialized in advanced radome
technology, including the latest generation stealth and low-
observable technology. ACAB has supported and supplied Saab
for over half a century with radome technology for the Saab
fighter programmes. ACAB is the supplier of the Gripen fighter
radomes.
LIG Nex1 is South Korea’s number one company on military
products. LIG Nex1 is working in close collaboration with
advanced global companies. LIG Nex1 is developing state-of-the-
art weapon systems, including radar and surveillance systems.
The radome (radar dome) is the streamlined structural part in the
nose of the aircraft which protects the radar antenna from wind
and weather. It is carefully designed to withstand the mechanical
loads without compromising the radar performance. In addition,
it increases the survivability of the aircraft due to its sophisticated
stealth features.
The KFX aircraft is intended to replace South Korea’s aging F-4
Phantom II and F-5 Tiger II aircraft. The production numbers are
estimated to exceed 250 aircraft. The contract includes
exploratory development and production of prototypes for an
undisclosed contract value. It is still too early to determine the
number of people at ACAB that will be involved in development
and production.
“We are very proud of and pleased with the contract from LIG
Nex1 since it consolidates our position as world leader in
radomes” says Torgny Stenholm, President of ACAB.
“In addition, the agreement is considered to be strategically
important for ACAB as the company has plans to expand within
the commercial and military aerospace segments”, he adds.
(Volvo Aero/ ACAB)