The Flight Design–Vessel KLA-100 is a two-seat, low-wing light aircraft developed through a transnational partnership between Flight Design of Germany and Vessel Co., Ltd. of South Korea. The project was a collaborative effort that also included research from Konkuk University and oversight from the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI). The KLA-100 represents a significant shift for Flight Design, as it is the company's first low-wing model, departing from its established history of high-wing CT-series aircraft.
Development of the aircraft began approximately two years prior to its public unveiling at AERO Friedrichshafen 2017. The prototype phase culminated in the aircraft's first flight in late March 2017 at Šumperk, Czech Republic, with test pilot Richard Ponižil at the controls. While the prototype flight tests occurred in the Czech Republic, the aircraft is marketed by NEXT Aerospace (the successor to Vessel's aviation activities) as Korea's first mass-produced civil light aircraft, indicating that industrialization efforts were centered in South Korea.
Technically, the KLA-100 was designed to meet ASTM light-sport aircraft standards and EASA CS-LSA certification requirements. Its aerodynamic design features a high aspect ratio wing to improve climb performance and reduce drag, complemented by blended winglets. To enhance safety and handling, the aircraft incorporates a "Stall-Safe" drooped leading edge to maintain aileron effectiveness during stalls and resist spins, as well as long-span slotted flaps utilizing a proprietary South Korean airfoil for gentle stalls and low landing speeds. For emergency safety, a Stratos Magnum 601 airframe parachute system is integrated into the airframe.
The aircraft is powered by a single 100 hp (74 kW) Rotax 912iS four-cylinder, fuel-injected piston engine. The cockpit is equipped with a modern Garmin G3X glass cockpit, featuring dual EFIS/EMS screens, a Garmin GTN-650 MFD, and a Garmin GTX-335 ADS-B Out transponder, with an optional two-axis autopilot. Intended for leisure, sport flying, and flight training, the KLA-100 serves as a symbolic milestone for the Korean general aviation industry, bridging European manufacturing expertise with Korean research and development.