The KAI KC-100 Naraon is a four-seat, low-wing, single-engine light aircraft built by Korea Aerospace Industries. The ministry labeled the aircraft as Naraon after gathering input from the public. The KC-100 has the distinction of being the original indigenously-built civil-oriented aircraft in South Korea.
After the success of Korean Aerospace Industries in their previous line of government and military aircraft, the company decided to develop an aircraft that is beyond conventional government-directed military projects and to produce a design suited to the commercial and civilian aviation market. In June 2008, development work formally started on the initiative. During that time, it had been expected that the project would be achieved within a five-year development period. In May 2010, the initial design phase had been accomplished and the construction of the first prototype was set to begin, with the target of completion by the end of the year.
On June 15, 2011, the flight test program started with the maiden flight of the first prototype. It was completed on March 22, 2013. After a week, the aircraft was awarded its type certificate. The manufacturing company target to secure type certification not just in South Korea but as well as from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), therefore allowing the aircraft to be sold in different countries worldwide. Approximately half of all flight tests were administered to explore and verify the aerodynamic properties of the aircraft, while seventeen percent were to test avionics, ten percent was for the engine, and seven percent were for the structure.
The KC-100 Naraon is a four-seat light aircraft used for general aviation purposes such as small-scale commercial and commuting activities, flight training, and leisure and private flights. It is constructed with an all-composite airframe built primarily from carbon fiber. This design reduces the overall weight of the aircraft, and simplifies manufacture and lessen maintenance costs. It has an exterior length of 8.5 meters, a height of 2.87 meters, and a fuselage diameter of 1.42 meters.
The KC-100 is powered by a Continental TSIOF-550-K piston engine. It produces a maximum power of 315 hp. The aircraft has a maximum cruise speed of 210 knots and a travel range of 1,200 nautical miles.
