Raytheon will provide support for Peace Krypton reconnaissance aircraft of South Korea.

According to information released by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, on July 10, 2020, the U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea of items and services to extend follow-on support to its Peace Krypton reconnaissance aircraft for an estimated cost of $250 million.

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South Korean Air Force Hawker 800XP Peace Krypton reconnaissance aircraft. (Picture source Reddit)

The Republic of Korea has requested to buy items and services to extend follow-on support to its Peace Krypton reconnaissance aircraft. Included are Ground System Modernization (GSM) and sustainment of Prime Mission Equipment (PME); Field Service Representatives (FSR); minor modifications and upgrades; Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS); spares and repair and return of parts; publications and technical documentation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistical support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total program cost is $250 million.

The proposed sale will improve Korea’s capability to meet current and future threats by supporting operation of its fleet of Peace Krypton aircraft and enabling continued Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) interoperability with the United States. Korea will have no difficulty absorbing this follow-on support into its armed forces.

Raytheon was selected in 1996 to provide a state-of-the-art Peace Krypton System airborne reconnaissance system to the Republic of Korea. The system uses reconnaissance equipment developed and integrated by Raytheon E-Systems installed on four Hawker 800XP jet aircraft made by Raytheon Aircraft. Four additional Hawker 800XP aircraft will also be purchased by the Republic of Korea for similar purposes.

The Hawker 800XP (Extended Performance), the latest variant of the Hawker 800 mid- size corporate jet, offers superior performance in range and payload. Powered by TFE731-5BR engines and typically configured in an eight-seat executive layout, the 800XP has an NBAA IFR range with six passengers of more than 2,500 nm (4,635 km). Like all versions of the Hawker, the integral strength of the aircraft's design and construction, plus its reliability of operation, makes it an ideal platform for special mission applications.