KAI ramps up LAH production even as it develops new Surion variants
One of three LAH prototypes performed a flight display at Seoul ADEX, while another was on static display. (Photo: Gordon Arthur)
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has taken two Light Attack Helicopters (LAH) to Seoul ADEX 2023, as it pursues the series production of the type on behalf of the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA).
Under the first production contract for ten helicopters, awarded on 22 December 2022, KAI will deliver the initial LAH in 2024. Jae Hyung Park, Manager of KAI’s Rotary Wing Business Team 1, told Shephard that a second production contract is expected later this year.
In all, KAI expects about 200 LAHs to be manufactured for the ROKA, plus it is seeking exports for the Airbus H155B1-based platform in
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
Bell selected over Boeing to build DARPA SPRINT X-Plane
The programme first began in 2023 with Bell and Boeing’s concepts progressing to Phase 1B, in which testing has been carried out over the last year.
-
National Audit Office report highlights major delays in UK’s F-35 programme
The report discloses that while the capability provided by the F-35 is superior to previous UK aircraft, delays from the UK Ministry of Defence on the programme have significantly impacted the country’s warfighting capabilities.
-
France and UK to resume and upgrade Storm Shadow/SCALP production
The new ‘Entente Industrielle’ will work on a range of other projects to boost the UK economy and defence industry, including joint development on new high-tech frequency weapons and extended range air-to-air missiles.
-
Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports
The E-7A is one of three aircraft submitted for the South Korean AEW&C II competition, which seeks to acquire four more aircraft of the type for its air force by 2028.
-
France pushes for 80% workshare as FCAS programme nears critical development stage
Tensions on the programme have long simmered, with Airbus and Dassault recently clashing over workshare in June ahead of the Paris Air Show. The sixth-generation fighter programme is due to replace Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon jets beginning in 2040.
-
US Air Force conducts climate testing with the T-7A Red Hawk
The trainer aircraft recently completed the second round of extreme weather trials after enduring icy, windy and sunny conditions.