In an effort to upgrade its stock of aging McDonnell Douglas MD500 and Bell AH-1J/S "Cobra' light attack helicopters with one of local origin, KAI (Korean Aerospace Industries) was selected by the South Korean military to lead the charge for a new 5-ton class system. KAI has since partnered with French-based Airbus Helicopters to develop what is known as the "Light Armed Helicopter" (LAH) solution and will be based on the latter's H155 (formerly the Eurocopter EC155) platform. The LAH product will follow the Light Civilian Helicopter (LCH), which is also based on the H155 "Dauphin", that will enter the civilian market in 2020 while the LAH is expected to be in service for 2022 (since pushed back to 2023). The LAH project is being headed by Korea's Agency for Defense Development (ADD) with involvement from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) as well.
KAI and Airbus Helicopters have already combined engineering talents to product the new KAI KUH-1 "Surion" medium-lift helicopter (with Samsung Techwin engines) for South Korean Army and Marine forces. This product is based on the proven Eurocopter EC725 "Super Cougar" platform and several hundred of this model are already on order while deliveries having been ongoing since 2012. The KUH-1 was selected to replace the Bell UH-1H medium family as well as the McDonnell Douglas MD500 light series helicopters in the general utility role.
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June 2016 - It was announced that Safran Helicopter Engine's (Turbomeca) "Arriel 2" will power the new LAH. The Resulting Arriel 2L2 will be a joint effort between Safran and Hanwha Techwin. The Arriel 2C2 engine will be used to power a civlian market form of the helicopter.
KAI unveiled the LAH at its Sacheon facility. Ground-testing is set to commence in 2019 with a first-flight to follow before year's end. Service entry is slated for sometime in 2023, now delayed from the originally-announced 2022 target year.
Specifications
Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) - South Korea / Airbus Helicopters - France Manufacturer(s)
GROUND ATTACK
Ability to conduct aerial bombing of ground targets by way of (but not limited to) guns, bombs, missiles, rockets, and the like.
CLOSE-AIR SUPPORT
Developed to operate in close proximity to active ground elements by way of a broad array of air-to-ground ordnance and munitions options.
TRANSPORT
General transport functionality to move supplies/cargo or personnel (including wounded and VIP) over range.
INTELLIGENCE-SURVEILLANCE-RECONNAISSANCE
Surveil ground targets / target areas to assess environmental threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.
46.9 ft (14.30 meters) Length
39.4 ft (12.00 meters) Width/Span
14.3 ft (4.35 meters) Height
5,776 lb (2,620 kilograms) Empty Weight
10,847 lb (4,920 kilograms) Maximum Take-Off Weight
+5,071 lb (+2,300 kg) Weight Difference
2 x Safran Helicopter Engines / Hanwha Techwin "Arriel 2" turboshaft engine developing 1,650 horsepower (estimated) while driving a five-bladed main rotor and Fenestron-shrouded tail rotor unit. Propulsion
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