KAI selected for LAH/LCH programmes
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has been selected for Korea’s Light Armed Helicopter (LAH) and Light Civil Helicopter (LCH) programmes, it was announced on 21 July.
KAI’s selection will see the company establish a LCH/LAH development plan, including selection of overseas system developers as well as local and foreign vendors and will be solely responsible for the system development of those two projects. The conclusion ceremony of the LCH/LAH development contracts is expected to be held in November.
Driven by Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the LCH/LAH programmes aim to develop the country’s aerospace technology industry and attract foreign investment to the country.
The LCH will replace foreign-made helicopters operated in Korea and will be used for a wide range of operations, including emergency services, coastal surveillance and passenger transportation. The aircraft’s development is planned to be complete by 2020.
KAI is in negotiations with AgustaWestland, Airbus Helicopters, Bell, and Sikorsky, for participation in the LCH development programme.
The LAH programme aims to replace Korea’s 500 MD and AH-1S attack helicopters.
The Korean military fixed a plan for deploying and operating the high-class attack helicopter and the low-class armed helicopter as its army aviation aircraft in order to reinforce Korea's aviation strength in 2009 and has since driven development of a Korean-made LAH.
Various technologies for the helicopter, including weapons and fire-control systems, will be acquired through international cooperation, scheduled for completion by 2022. It will also draw on technologies gained through the LCH programme.
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